Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Use of Single Chain MHC Technology to Investigate Co-agonism in Human CD8+ T Cell Activation
Published on: February 28, 2019
Current concepts in mucosal immunity. II. One size fits all: nonclassical MHC molecules fulfill multiple roles in
1Gastroenterology Division, Brighan and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6 encodes three classical class I genes: human leukocyte antigen-A (HLA-A), HLA-B, and HLA-C. These polymorphic genes encode a 43- to 45-kDa cell surface glycoprotein that, in association with the 12-kDa beta 2-microglobulin molecule, functions in the presentation of nine amino acid peptides to the T cell receptor of CD8-bearing T lymphocytes and killer inhibitory receptors on natural killer cells. In addition to these ubiquitously expressed polymorphic proteins, the human genome also encodes a number of nonclassical MHC class I-like, or class Ib, genes that in general encode nonpolymorphic molecules involved in a variety of specific immunologic functions. Many of these genes, including CD1, the neonatal Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G, HLA-G, the MHC class I chain-related gene A, and Hfe, are prominently displayed on epithelial cells, suggesting an important role in epithelial cell biology.
Related Concept Videos
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Antigen Processing Pathways
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

