Rules for Peptide Presentation by MHC Class II Molecules

Abstract

Molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were first discovered for their importance in the Rejection of tissue grafts between unrelated individuals. If these individuals differ at one or more loci within the MHC, the grafts are Rapidly Rejected. The Rejection process involves Recognition of foreign MHC molecules by T lymphocytes and the Rapid destruction by these cells of the grafted tissue cells. The MHC is a highly polymorphic complex of genes, making tissue grafting between unrelated individuals virtually impossible. Thus, it stimulated a great deal of work when organ transplantation became technically feasible.

Key Words:

• CD4 T cell
• antigen Recognition
• antigen processing