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)

A glacier that has neither advanced nor retreated, A glacier that has neith...

A glacier that has neither advanced nor retreated for many years deposits:- end moraine

Library science, What are the Difference between dictionary catalogue and c...

What are the Difference between dictionary catalogue and classfied catalogue?

Scientific method, i have to fill in the blanks on a cyclical version of th...

i have to fill in the blanks on a cyclical version of the scientific method

State about the lateritic soils, State about the Lateritic soils Later...

State about the Lateritic soils Lateritic soils formed at high levels have a pale red colour, have high gravel content and are poor in all fertility constituents.  Those forme

Explain cells as units of life , 1.  Define the cell theory.  2.  Contra...

1.  Define the cell theory.  2.  Contrast the light microscope with the transmission electron microscope. 3.  Describe the structure and function of the plasma membrane, chro

Determine the value of departure the minimum water flow, 1) Consider the di...

1) Consider the diagram below, where a pump is used to draw water from a lake to feed an irrigation system. a) Which of the points of departure the minimum water flow takes

Minerals, Minerals  Minerals like coal, iron, copper, steel etc. are us...

Minerals  Minerals like coal, iron, copper, steel etc. are used in all kinds of industries and in every-day life. The rate of consumption of minerals  is increasing every year.

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