Antigen presentation (by the host immune system)

Antigen presentation is a central immunological process where antigen-presenting cells (such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells) capture, process, and display peptide fragments of proteins (antigens) on their cell surface bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This display enables recognition of "self" and "non-self" antigens by T cells, leading to activation of adaptive immune responses. Class I MHC presents intracellular antigens to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, while class II MHC presents extracellular antigens to CD4+ helper T cells. Efficient antigen presentation is crucial for immunity against infections and cancer, but dysregulation contributes to autoimmunity or immune evasion by tumors

Other names

Antigen processing and presentationAntigen presentation pathwayMHC-mediated antigen presentation

Enhancement of MHC expression to increase immune detection of disease (e.g., in cancer) Inhibition or modulation of antigen presentation to reduce autoimmune or inflammatory responses (experimental)