"The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large locus on vertebrate DNA containing a set of closely linked polymorphic genes that code for cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system."
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which codes for proteins called human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that play an essential role in the immune system.
Histocompatibility: The process of matching a donor recipient for organ transplantation.
Antigen presentation: The process by which dendritic cells present antigens to T-cells.
HLA gene nomenclature: The naming convention for human leukocyte antigen genes.
HLA class I and class II molecules: The two types of HLA molecules and their functions in antigen presentation.
Haplotype: A set of genes inherited together on one chromosome from one parent.
Linkage disequilibrium: The non-random association of alleles at different loci.
Polymorphism: Genetic variation that occurs between individuals.
HLA typing techniques: Methods used to identify HLA alleles in individuals.
HLA frequency and distribution: The global distribution of HLA alleles and their frequencies in different populations.
HLA and disease association: The linkage between specific HLA alleles and susceptibility to different autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancers.
HLA evolution: The evolution of HLA genes in primates and humans.
Immune surveillance: The role of HLA molecules in detecting and responding to foreign antigens.
Transplant immunology: The immunological mechanisms that lead to tissue and organ rejection.
HLA diversity and selection: The factors that drive the diversification of HLA alleles and their function.
HLA-mediated immune response: The processes by which HLA molecules govern the immune response to viral and bacterial infections.
Class I HLA molecules are present on the surface of all nucleated cells in the body: They interact with cytotoxic T cells, which destroy infected or abnormal cells.
Class II HLA molecules are found on the surface of specialized immune system cells called antigen-presenting cells (APCs): They interact with helper T cells, which coordinate the immune response.
Class III HLA molecules are involved in immune regulation and inflammation.: Class III HLA molecules play a role in regulating the immune response and triggering inflammation in the body.
"MHC molecules mediate the interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells (WBCs), with other leukocytes or with body cells."
"The MHC determines donor compatibility for organ transplant."
"The presented self-antigens prevent an organism's immune system from targeting its own cells."
"The presentation of pathogen-derived proteins results in the elimination of the infected cell by the immune system."
"Diversity of an individual's self-antigen presentation, mediated by MHC self-antigens, is attained in at least three ways."
"An organism's MHC repertoire is polygenic (via multiple, interacting genes)."
"MHC expression is codominant (from both sets of inherited alleles)."
"MHC gene variants are highly polymorphic (diversely varying from organism to organism within a species)."
"Sexual selection has been observed in male mice choosing to mate with females with different MHCs."
"Also, at least for MHC I presentation, there has been evidence of antigenic peptide splicing."
"Later studies revealed that tissue rejection due to incompatibility is only a facet of the full function of MHC molecules."
"These cell surface proteins are called MHC molecules."
"MHC molecules... code for cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system... binding an antigen derived from self-proteins or from pathogens, and bringing the antigen presentation to the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells."
"The MHC determines... one's susceptibility to autoimmune diseases."
"An organism's MHC repertoire... is diversely varying from organism to organism within a species."
"The presented self-antigens prevent an organism's immune system from targeting its own cells."
"MHC molecules mediate the interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells (WBCs), with other leukocytes or with body cells."
"MHC expression is codominant (from both sets of inherited alleles)."
"At least for MHC I presentation, there has been evidence of antigenic peptide splicing, which can combine peptides from different proteins, vastly increasing antigen diversity."