Major histocompatibility complex molecule (MHC) and T-cell receptor (MHC, TCR)

Major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC) are cell surface glycoproteins divided into class I and class II, encoded by a highly polymorphic gene cluster on chromosome 6. MHC class I molecules present intracellular peptides to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, while MHC class II molecules present extracellular-derived peptides to CD4+ helper T cells[3][4][5][1]. T-cell receptors (TCRs) on T lymphocytes recognize peptide-MHC complexes and trigger immune activation. This interaction is central to body defense, governing immune surveillance, transplant compatibility, and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. MHC polymorphism influences antigen recognition and disease susceptibility, making these molecules critical in clinical immunology and drug targeting[4][5][6].

Other names

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA, for human MHC)MHC class IMHC class IITCR (for T-cell receptor)

Blocking peptide-MHC binding to TCR; Modulating costimulatory signaling to block T cell activation; Depleting specific T-cell subsets; Altering antigen presentation (e.g., peptide vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors)