Lecture 2. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-Basic course “Immunology” ZOL 703/803
Channel: BIOLECTURIA
Date: 16/06/2020

This lecture will useful for course code ZOL-703 for MS class and ZOL-803 for PhD. 
In this lecture, we have tried to develop an understanding of MHC. MHC encoded proteins known as MHAs are expressed on surface of cells. In humans there are three classes. You will be able to learn; 
In which cells MHC molecules are expressed?
How the MHC class I and II molecules are structurally organized?
What are the functions of MHC class I and II molecules?
What are exogenous and endogenous antigens?
Class I MHC molecules consist of two polypeptides
1. α chain
2. β microglobulin  
α3 domain from α chain is a binding site for T cells receptors while α1 and α2 form antigen binding pocket 
Class II MHC molecules consist of two polypeptides
1. α chain
2. β chain
β2 domain forms binding site for T cells co-receptors (CD4) while α1 and β1 form antigen binding pocket.