Which transplant type utilizes cells from an identical twin sibling?

A syngeneic transplant is the procedure that involves utilizing cells from an identical twin sibling. In this type of transplant, the donor and recipient are genetically identical, which significantly reduces the risk of transplant rejection and complications related to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

This process is particularly beneficial because the immune system of the recipient recognizes the transplanted cells as ‘self,’ leading to a more successful integration of the transplant. In contrast, an allogeneic transplant involves cells from a donor who is not genetically identical to the recipient, thereby presenting greater challenges in terms of compatibility and immune response. An autologous transplant uses the patient’s own cells, while cord blood transplants involve stem cells collected from umbilical cord blood. By confirming that syngeneic transplants are for identical twins, we can grasp the full benefit of genetic matching in transplant procedures.