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)

Define hyposecretion of adrenocortical hormones, Define Hyposecretion of Ad...

Define Hyposecretion of Adrenocortical Hormones Hyposecretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex results in the development of the condition known as Addison's disease. There

Roche limit- photosphere, 1.Summarize the evidence supporting the theory th...

1.Summarize the evidence supporting the theory that the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction, which includes the extinction of the dinosaurs, was precipitated to a significant degree by

Functional unit of the nervous system-neuron, Functional unit of the nervou...

Functional unit of the nervous system-neuron: The human brain is composed of more than one hundred billion (100,000,000,000  or 1011) cells called  'neurons'. This number which

Adolescence, Adolescence: Mind and Body, you have already studied that ...

Adolescence: Mind and Body, you have already studied that certain hormones are essential  for proper physical development of an  individual. Around the age of  12,  starts a pe

Nervous tissue, types of neuron according to function

types of neuron according to function

Landforms, is a grassland a type of landform

is a grassland a type of landform

Holding water in a sieve, Holding water in a sieve Pour some oil over t...

Holding water in a sieve Pour some oil over the wire mesh of a kitchen sieve and shake out the overload so that the holes are open. Cautiously pour water into the sieve from a

Social and economic impact of modern communication, Social and economic imp...

Social and economic impact of modern communication technology: Quite obviously a society which will utilise advanced communication technology in  the ways mentioned above, woul

How does the study of personality shed light, How does the study of persona...

How does the study of personality shed light onto behavior change for you? Answer: In general, personality means as the sums of the characteristics or traits of the person; to ot

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