Hi, I read that If transplantation is done between identical twins problems are less as the genetic variation is less between them… My question is The mitochondrial DNA is inherited separately from the mother and it is different for each and every person and it codes for its own protiens … What will be the impact of mitochondrial proteins when transplantation is done between identical twins? Wont it produce any rejection action against the foreign organ? Does it consider that organ as its own? Please clarify.
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Hi Laura
Mitochondrial DNA encodes only 13 proteins that are primarily involved in oxidative phosphorylation. These proteins are usually: Localized within the mitochondria, not displayed on the cell surface where immune recognition happens. Not processed or presented via MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) in the same way nuclear-encoded proteins are. As a result, Mitochondrial proteins typically do not act as allo antigens that would provoke immune rejection.
However there could be slight variations within the mitochondria from same mother (A condition called Heteroplasmy) which is rare and since mithochondrial proteins are poorly presented to T cells, there are minimal chances of rejection.