What are Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC)?
Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC) are proteins found on the surface of cells that are essential for the immune system to recognize foreign molecules. They are the primary determinants of tissue compatibility. There are two main classes:
Class I MHC: Found on almost all nucleated cells, they present peptides to cytotoxic T cells. Class II MHC: Found on antigen-presenting cells, they present peptides to helper T cells.
Matching MHC molecules between donor and recipient is critical to minimize immune rejection.
