MHC

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a set of cell surface molecules encoded by a large gene family which controls a major part of the immune system in all vertebrates. The major function of MHCs are to bind to peptide fragments derived from pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells. MHC molecules mediate interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells (WBCs), which are immune cells, with other leukocytes or with body cells. The MHC determines compatibility of donors for organ transplant, as well as one's susceptibility to an autoimmune disease via crossreacting immunization. In humans, the MHC is also called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA).