Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

Definition

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a set of cell surface proteins essential for the acquired immune system to recognize foreign molecules in vertebrates, which in turn determines histocompatibility. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by presenting peptide fragments derived from pathogens to T lymphocytes.

Related terms

T lymphocytes:

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity, recognizing antigens presented by MHC molecules.

Antigen presentation: The process by which protein antigens are digested into fragments, loaded onto MHC molecules, and displayed on the surface of cells for recognition by T lymphocytes.

Histocompatibility: The property enabling donor tissues or organs to be accepted by a recipient’s immune system when transplanted, largely determined by compatibility in MHC molecules