What it means
MHC proteins sit on the surface of cells and display small pieces of proteins (antigenAN-tih-jenA substance, often a protein on a germ or cell, that the immune system recognizes and responds to.anti- against (short for antibody)-gen something that producesFull entry ) to T cells. Class I markers are on almost all cells; class II markers are on immune cells that present antigens. In humans they are called human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Matching them between donor and recipient lowers the risk of rejection in organ and stem cell transplants.
At a glance
| Also written | major histocompatibility complex, Major Histocompatibility Complexes |
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Related terms
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
antigen
A substance, often a protein on a germ or cell, that the immune system recognizes and responds to.
immune response
The way the body recognizes and defends itself against germs and other substances it sees as foreign.