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EntityQ423163· pop 39· linked from 549 articles

major histocompatibility complex

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Also known as MHC

set of genes for cell surface proteins essential for the acquired immune system to recognize foreign molecules in vertebrates, which in turn determines histocompatibility

In the Vinony graph

Vinony's link graph records 549 inbound references to major histocompatibility complex, and connects out to B-cell, CD8 and mammal.

It sits within the topics Gene families, Glycoproteins and Immune system.

Vinony links it to 38 Wikipedia language editions.

Key facts

Symbol
HLA
Interpro
IPR001039
Pdb
IPR001039
Alphafold
IPR001039

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

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Commons category
Major histocompatibility complex
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via Wikidata · CC0

~30 min read

Encyclopedic overview

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large locus on vertebrate DNA containing a set of closely linked polymorphic genes that code for cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system. These cell surface proteins are called MHC molecules.

Its name comes from its discovery during the study of transplanted tissue compatibility. Later studies revealed that tissue rejection due to incompatibility is only a facet of the full function of MHC molecules, which is to bind an antigen derived from self-proteins, or from pathogens, and bring the antigen presentation to the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells. MHC molecules mediate the interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells (WBCs), with other leukocytes or with body cells. The MHC determines donor compatibility for organ transplant, as well as one's susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “major histocompatibility complex” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.

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