For the term's use in bacteriology, see serovar.
Transplants between genetically non-identical humans induce the creation of antibodies in the recipient. These non-identical cell-surface antigens in the donor and produce antiserum in the recipient. Under certain conditions one or two isoform specificities are obtained from the recipient. This results in a serotype that is capable of identifying other individuals who have the same differential isoform in the donor. Serotyping along with new-PCR based techniques are how tissues for organ-donor programs are characterized. (for more detailed information see Human leukocyte antigens and HLA Serotype tutorial.)
| HLA | # of | Broad | Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locus | Serotypes | Antigens | Antigens |
| A | 25 | 4 | 15 |
| B | 50 | 9 | 24 |
| C* | 12 | 1 | 2 |
| DR | 21 | 4 | 8 |
| DQ | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| DP* | |||
| *DP and many Cw require SSP-PCR for typing. | |||