Major histocompatibility complex: Difference between revisions
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== Function == | == Function == | ||
''' Major Histocompatibility Complex''' (MHC) molecules bind peptides derived from degraded proteins and present these peptides on the surface of the cell. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes or helper T cells recognize the MHC:peptide complex on the surface of the cell and | ''' Major Histocompatibility Complex''' (MHC) molecules bind peptides derived from degraded proteins and present these peptides on the surface of the cell. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes or helper T cells recognize the MHC:peptide complex on the surface of the cell and, if the presented peptide (antigen) is suggestive of a pathogenic or foreign protein, trigger an immune response. In this way, MHC molecules allow for immune system detection of cellular activity, making them an essential part of the organism’s immune system. MHC molecules are divided into Class I and Class II molecules based on the types of cells that typically express them and the types of peptides they typically bind. | ||
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* '''MHC class I''' ([[Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I]]) are found in all nucleated cells and platelets. These cell surface proteins display peptides from cellular intrinsic proteins<ref>PMID:18675588</ref>. For more details see <br /> | * '''MHC class I''' ([[Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I]]) are found in all nucleated cells and platelets. These cell surface proteins display peptides from cellular intrinsic proteins<ref>PMID:18675588</ref>. For more details see <br /> | ||