Veterinary Immunology and Serology

Major Histocompability complex (MHC) molecules

MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX MOLECULES

• MHC molecules are present on the surface of nucleated cells and also on red blood cells in some species (class I MHC).
• Some MHC antigens are present on the surface of macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells (MHC- class II molecules).
•  Some MHC are not bound to cell surface but present in the secretion (MHC- class III molecules)
• They are protein or glycoprotein substances and provoke immune response .