Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I: Difference between revisions
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''Major Histocompatibility Complex'' (MHC) genes, and the proteins they specify, play centrally important roles in adaptive immune responses. MHC | ''Major Histocompatibility Complex'' (MHC) genes, and the proteins they specify, play centrally important roles in adaptive immune responses. Each MHC protein molecule contains a groove that is loaded with a peptide fragment derived from an intracellular protein. The MHC proteins carry these peptides to the outer surface of the cell, where thymus-derived ("T") lymphocytes examine them. When the peptides are deemed to be dangerous (e.g., derived from a pathogen) by the T lymphocytes, appropriate immune defenses are activated. T lymphocytes are centrally important in all adaptive immune responses, including antibody production and the elimination of intracellular parasites, and their responses depend entirely on the presentation of peptides by MHC. Class I MHC proteins, in particular, reveal the presence of otherwise hidden intracellular parasites (such as viruses and some bacteria) by displaying peptide fragments of parasite proteins on the cell surface. For more detail, please see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_histocompatibility_complex Wikipedia: Major Histocompatibility Complex]. | ||
The 3D structure of MHC proteins was one of the [[Highest_impact_structures | highest impact crystallographic strucures of all time]]. In order to appreciate why, some historical background is helpful. | The 3D structure of MHC proteins was one of the [[Highest_impact_structures | highest impact crystallographic strucures of all time]]. In order to appreciate why, some historical background is helpful. | ||
