Allotypes

/ˈæl.ə.taɪps/ noun

Definition

Plural of allotype; multiple genetic variants of proteins or antibodies that differ between individuals.

Etymology

Regular plural of allotype, from Greek 'allo-' (other) and 'typos' (type). Developed in 20th-century immunology as scientists studied genetic variation in immune proteins.

Kelly Says

When people receive blood transfusions or organ transplants, doctors check not just blood type but also allotypes—different allotypes can trigger immune reactions even between people with matching blood types, which is why tissue matching is so complex.

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