5. 医学分子生物学.pdf

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and MHC molecules 1. Introduction 2. Human MHC organization and genetic features 3. The MHC molecules 4. Functions of MHC molecules 5. Applications of MHC study The MHC was found to be important in graft survival 1. Introduction histocompatibility: the acceptance or tolerance between tissues of donor and recipient. major histocompatibility antigens: a group of antigens (cell surface proteins) primarily responsible for the rapid rejection of grafts between individuals MHC (major histocompatibility complex) A cluster of tightly linked genes which products are major histocompatibility antigens, also named MHC molecules. They are not only primarily responsible for the rapid rejection of grafts between individuals, but also function in presenting antigen (antigenic peptides) for T cell to recognize. MHC has been identified in all mammalian species MHC in human: HLA complex, which products are HLA (human leukocyte antigens) MHC in mice: H-2, which products are H-2 molecules (antigens) The genetic organization of the MHC in human and the mouse The basic organization of the genes in the MHC locus is similar in humans and mice. The MHC locus contains two types of polymorphic MHC genes, the class I and class II MHC genes, which encode two groups of structurally distinct but homologous proteins, and other nonpolymorphic genes whose products are involved in antigen presentation. Class III MHC locus refers to genes that encode molecules other than peptide-display molecules; this term is not used commonly. T cells recognize antigens in the context of MHC molecules The functions of MHC molecules have gone beyond the category of organ transplantation. The recognition of antigen by T cell is the initial step for adaptive immune response. T cells