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major histocompatibility complex
/mˈeɪdʒɚ hˌɪstəkˌɑːmpɐɾɪbˈɪlɪɾi kˈɑːmplɛks/
MHC
Major histocompatibility complex
01
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
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
complex compound
Countable
Plural form
major histocompatibility complexes
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.
