Unless you have an identical twin, your Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens are unique. These glycoproteins are also called human leukocyte associated (HLA) antigens because they were first identified on white blood cells.
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| Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens |
In some form, however, several hundred thousand MHC molecules mark the surface of all your body cells (except red blood cells).
Although MHC antigens are the reason that tissues are rejected when they are transplanted from one person to another, their normal function is to help T cells recognize foreign invaders.
In other words, these self-antigens aid in the detection of foreign antigens. This is a key ingredient for success in immune responses.
There are two categories of Major histocompatibility complex antigens: class I and class I.
Class I MHC (MHC-I) molecules are built into the plasma membranes of all body cells except red blood cells.
Class II MHC (MHC-II) molecules appear only on the surface of antigen presenting cells, cells of the thymus and T cells that have been activated by exposure to an antigen.
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| Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens |
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