[Progress in Study on MHC Structure and Function]
Yuying Sun1, Fanhua Kong, Yongzhi Xi
1Department of Immunology, Beijing Beitaiping Rood Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
The MHC molecules were first discovered as major histocompatibility antigens. When their essential biological function as antigen-binding molecules and informers for T cells was unveiled, an explanation of why MHC also acts as major histocompatibility antigens was provided. When the antigen-binding cleft of MHC molecules was firstly clarified more than 10 years ago, the study of MHC structure and function has stepped into a prosperous new era, and many achievements have in this area have been achieved. This paper summarized the exciting progress in study on MHC structure and function in recent years.
The MHC molecules were first discovered as major histocompatibility antigens. When their essential biological function as antigen-binding molecules and informers for T cells was unveiled, an explanation of why MHC also acts as major histocompatibility antigens was provided. When the antigen-binding cleft of MHC molecules was firstly clarified more than 10 years ago, the study of MHC structure and function has stepped into a prosperous new era, and many achievements have in this area have been achieved. This paper summarized the exciting progress in study on MHC structure and function in recent years.
