Review of Antigen-Presentation Systems
MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecules are involved in presenting antigens on the cell surface. In humans, MHC is called H L A (human leukocyte antigen). MHC classes 1 and 2 differ in their functions.
MHC |
Cell involved |
Molecule bound |
Elicited action |
---|---|---|---|
MHC class 1 |
Virus infected cell |
A piece of viral protein being synthesized |
Cytotoxic T cells bind via TCR and CD8 molecules and kill the cell |
MHC class 2 |
Dendritic cell Macrophage B cell |
Antigen from a microbe taken into the cell |
Helper T cells bind via TCR and CD4 molecules and become activated |
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