Histocompatibility molecules are genetically determined proteins present in membranes of all nucleated cells. They form a unique system for which the term “Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)” was coined. Each vertebrate species is characterised by its own MHC; that of humans has an abbreviation HLA. This acronym is derived from the words: “human leucocyte antigens” as its fist molecules were discovered in membranes of leucocytes.

Histokompatibilné molekuly sú geneticky determinované proteíny, ktorá sa nachádzajú v membránach všetkých jadrových buniek. Vytvárajú ucelený systém, ktorý sa označuje ako hlavný histokompatibilný komplex (MHC – Major Histocompatibility Complex). Každý živočíšny druh má svoj MHC; u ľudí sa označuje skratkou HLA. Táto vznikla z prvých písmen označenia “Human leucocyte antigens” pretože prvé jeho molekuly boli objavené na leukocytoch.

Presentation provides basic information on the HLA-complex and transplantation immunology, with focus on kidney and haematopoetic stem cell transplantations. Most important HLA-typing methods are explained as well as other techniques used in donor-recipient pair selection.