Key Benefits of Cord Blood Banking
The benefits of cord blood can be explored more in-depth here, but as an overview, cord blood is a rich source of stem cells, which have the unique ability to develop into various types of cells in the body. This regenerative potential can be utilized in treating a range of health conditions, from blood disorders and immune deficiencies to certain types of cancer. As research continues to advance, the list of treatable conditions is expected to grow, making cord blood banking a potentially life-saving investment.Cord Blood Uses and Treatments
Cord blood stem cells have been used in over 40,000 (and counting) transplants worldwide and are currently being reviewed for approval for treating over 80 life-threatening diseases. These conditions include leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and various metabolic and immune system disorders. Additionally, ongoing research explores the potential of cord blood stem cells in treating conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. It goes without saying that stem cells’ regenerative properties are opening up exciting frontiers.HLA: The Key to Cord Blood for Grandparents
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are proteins found on the surface of most cells in the human body. They play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to differentiate between self and non-self cells. HLA compatibility is vital in cord blood transplantation, as it can significantly impact the procedure's success and reduce the risk of complications. (This Stanford publication explains HLA regarding kidney transplantation, but the information is relevant for stem cell transplantation as well.) HLA compatibility is determined by comparing the HLA markers of the donor and the recipient. Three major HLA groups - HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR - are most relevant to transplantation compatibility. Each person has two copies of these HLA markers, one inherited from each parent. A close match between the donor and recipient's HLA markers is crucial for a successful transplant. When it comes to compatibility for cord blood being used for grandparents, the likelihood of HLA compatibility is influenced by several factors:- Genetic inheritance: Since HLA markers are inherited from both parents, grandparents and grandchildren share 25% of their genetic material. This means the chances of HLA compatibility are higher than among unrelated donors but not as high as between siblings or parent-child pairs.
- Ethnicity: HLA markers tend to be more similar among individuals from the same ethnic background. Therefore, grandparents and grandchildren of the same ethnic origin are more likely to have HLA compatibility than those from different ethnic backgrounds.
- Haplotype sharing: Haplotypes are sets of closely linked genes that tend to be inherited together. When a grandparent and grandchild share a haplotype, the likelihood of HLA compatibility increases. However, it is essential to note that haplotype sharing does not guarantee a perfect HLA match.
- Number of HLA mismatches: In general, fewer HLA mismatches between the donor and the recipient result in better transplantation outcomes. A perfect match is considered to have zero mismatches, but even a single mismatch can significantly increase the risk of complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Sometimes, a transplant with few mismatches may still be considered if the benefits outweigh the risks.
