MHC
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Biology
| Stands for | Major histocompatibility complex |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
MHC stands for Major histocompatibility complex, a biology abbreviation.
Set of genes encoding cell-surface proteins that display fragments of proteins to T cells, allowing the immune system to spot infected or cancerous cells. MHC class I molecules sit on nearly all cells, while class II molecules appear on specialized antigen-presenting cells.
Example: Tumor cells that stop expressing MHC class I can hide from killer T cells.
Usage notes
The MHC is the most variable region of the vertebrate genome, which is why organ donors and recipients must be matched; in humans it is called HLA (human leukocyte antigen). Baruj Benacerraf, Jean Dausset and George Snell shared the 1980 Nobel Prize for MHC research.
Related abbreviations
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