Major histocompatibility complex

/mˈeɪdʒə hˌɪstəkˌɒmpɐtɪbˈɪlɪti kˈɒmplɛks/

/mˈeɪdʒɚ hˌɪstəkˌɑːmpɐɾɪbˈɪlɪɾi kˈɑːmplɛks/

a set of genes that help the immune system recognize and respond to foreign substances in the body by presenting them to immune cells for identification

synonyms : MHC

What is "major histocompatibility complex"?

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) refers to a group of genes that encode proteins involved in presenting antigens to immune cells. It plays a crucial role in immune recognition and response by allowing immune cells to distinguish self from non-self. The MHC molecules are highly diverse and are responsible for initiating immune reactions and regulating immune tolerance in the human body.

Examples

1. It's called the MHC, Major Histocompatibility Complex.

2. They prefer mates with a different kind of immune system gene called Major Histocompatibility Complex, or MHC.

3. Now, before I reveal that twist, it’s important to understand that some of the most important genes in the adaptive immune system are found in a region of the genome called the Major Histocompatibility Complex, or MHC for short.

4. Your immune system identifies things based on what's known as the Major Histocompatibility Complex or MHC, one type of little protein flags that all cells including cancer cells have on their surfaces.