Major histocompatibility complex antigen-presenting complex (MHC (sometimes further specified as MHC-I or MHC-II depending on context))

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen-presenting complexes are cell-surface protein complexes responsible for presenting antigenic peptides (self or non-self, including tumor-derived neoantigens) to T lymphocytes, driving adaptive immunity and tumor immune surveillance[2][3][4][6]. MHC class I molecules present intracellular (mostly cytosolic) antigens to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, while MHC class II molecules present extracellular-derived peptides to CD4+ helper T cells[2][3][5][7]. The peptide:MHC complex triggers recognition and response by T cell receptors; the diversity and structural plasticity of these complexes are key to immunogenicity and targeting in cancer immunotherapies[1][4][6][7].

Other names

MHC-peptide complexpeptide:MHC complexpMHCHLA-peptide complex (in humans)

Activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes against tumor cells by presenting tumor-associated neoantigens; Immune modulation by enhancing antigen presentation or overcoming immune escape