MHC Complex Graphic, UC San Diego Health (image)

University of California - San Diego

Caption

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules display antigens to T cells, immune cells that constantly check for infected or damaged cells. If T cells spot MHC molecules with foreign antigens or mutated self-antigens (such as cancer antigens), they kill the cell before the damage spreads. MHC-II is only displayed by professional immune cells, such as macrophages, and is recognized by CD4+ T cells. MHC-I is displayed on the surface of every cell, and thus any cell with the potential to become cancerous, and is recognized by CD8+ T cells.

Credit

UC San Diego Health

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