Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach - Standalone book
Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach - Standalone book
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780078021046
Author: Marjorie Kelly Cowan Professor, Jennifer Bunn
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Question
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Chapter 13, Problem 1CT
Summary Introduction

To explain:

Major histocompatibility complexes and their participation in immune reactions.

Introduction:

MHC (major histocompatibility complex) is a set of cell surface proteins that are important for the acquired immune system to identify pathogen molecules. MHC molecules are present on all the cells except RBCs (red blood cells). They serve as an important element in the process of antigen presentation.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The major function served by MHC is that they bind to foreign antigens and display them so that they may be recognized by cytotoxic T-cells (thymus-derived cells). MHC has a vital role in self and non-self recognition by the immune system. There are three major classes of MHC molecules; MHC class I, MHC class II, and MHC class III are described as below:

1. Class I MHC genes: These code for markers that appear over the nucleated cell.

2) Class II MHC genes: These genes code for “immune regulatory markers” found over dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells.

3) Class III MHC genes: These genes code for complement system proteins.

Conclusion

MHC functions in the immune system are by letting the immune cells recognize self and non-self antigens.

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