A variant form of a protein or antibody that differs between individuals due to genetic variation, particularly in immunology.
From Greek 'allo-' (other) and 'typos' (type/form). Coined in mid-20th century immunology to describe genetic variants of immunoglobulins. Related to allele, which means alternative forms of genes.
Your blood type is determined by proteins on your cells, but allotypes are even more specific genetic variations—two people with the same ABO blood type might still have different immunological allotypes, which doctors discovered when doing blood transfusions and organ transplants.
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