In: Anatomy and Physiology
What is the function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins? What role do they play in immunity? What role do they play in distinguishing "self" versus "non-self"? Why are they important in tissue transplantation?
The function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is bind to peptide fragments derived from pathogens and display them on cell-surface for recognition
Act as antigen presenting structure
MHC molecule contain self as well as non self antigen
They bring defence against infection and disease
Participate in humoral and cell mediated immunity
MHC plays a role in recognition of self and nonself tissues. It has property of allorecognition . Allorecognition is the ability of an organism to distinguish it's tissues from foreign.
The property of allorecognition is important in organ transplantation because it lead to rejection of transplanted organ when recognised as non self or foreign.