Explain major histocornpatability complex (mhc), Science

Assignment Help:

Explain Major Histocornpatability Complex (MHC)

Major histocompatability complex is also known as the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). MHC molecules are important components of the immune response. They permit cells that have been invaded by an infectious organism to be detected by the cells of the immune system called T-lymphocytes or T-cells. The MHC molecules do this by offering fragments of proteins (peptides) belonging to the invader on the surface of the cell. The T-cell recognizes the foreign peptide attached to the MHC molecule and binds to it, an action which stimulates the T-cell to either destroy or cure the infected cell. The MHC, therefore, is a set of genes that code for cell surface glycoproteins. These glycoproteins mark the body cells as 'self' and are divided into two main classes - class I MHC molecules are found on the surface of almost every cell of the body.

Class ll MHC molecules are confined to a few specialized cell types, such as macrophages, B-cells and activated T-cells. Each MHC antigen combination forms a unique complex that is recognized by specific antigen receptors on T-cells as 'self'. T-cell surface proteins CD4 and CD8 greatly enhance the interaction between an antigen presenting cell (APC) and killer T-cell and between AF'C and helper T-cell, respectively. The primary immunological function of MHC molecules, therefore, is to bind and "present" antigenic peptides on the surfaces of cells for recognition (binding) by the antigen- specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) of lymphocytes. The other specific defence mechanism in our body is the antibodies. Let us learn about their role in the immune system and their interaction with antigens.


Related Discussions:- Explain major histocornpatability complex (mhc)

What is cage culture?, QUESTION 1 (a) What are the different methods of...

QUESTION 1 (a) What are the different methods of aquaculture? (b) How do you differentiate between an oligotrophic pond and a eutrophic pond? (c) Briefly describe the lif

Weather, one function of the weatherock is?

one function of the weatherock is?

Nutrition, Obesity - Choose one macronutrient (carbohydrates) and one mic...

Obesity - Choose one macronutrient (carbohydrates) and one micronutrient (vitamins) that have some relationship to the disease. Conduct a brief web search to learn about the ro

The effect of rain on sloping soil, The effect of rain on sloping soil ...

The effect of rain on sloping soil Fill a shallow pan or box with firmly packed soil. Set the pan outside in the rain with one end increased slightly. Observe how the raindrops

The broad area of Scientific activity, Describe the factors which decide th...

Describe the factors which decide the broad area of Scientific activity

Fission, Fission, and fusion energy: 'The Italian navigator has arrived...

Fission, and fusion energy: 'The Italian navigator has arrived in  the new world'  This coded message announced the beginning of the atoyic age on 2nd December? 1942. The 'n

Normal limits and factor scales, Factor Scales Mr. X is not overtly ex...

Factor Scales Mr. X is not overtly expressing any form of generalized distress or negative emotionality; he is extroverted and verbally fluent (A= 39, PSYC=40, NEGE=43). Howev

Protozoa, disadvantages of protozoa

disadvantages of protozoa

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd