L9 - MHC Peptide Selection, Genetics, Restriction

Question 1

What parts of the peptide do MHC mostly bind to?

Answer 1

Backbone and side chains

Question 2

What residues can vary greatly without much compromise to the MHC-peptide interaction?

Answer 2

Variable residues, generally pointing outisde of the MHC

Question 3

What chromosome do humans produce MHC on?

Answer 3

Chromosome 6

Question 4

What chromosome do mice produce MHC on?

Answer 4

Chromosome 17

Question 5

What are human MHC called?

Answer 5

HLA Class I: A B and C

HLA Class II: DP DQ and DR

Question 6

What are mice MHC called?

Answer 6

HLA Class I: K D and L

HLA Class II: A and E

Question 7

How many allelic variants can we produce in each locus?

Answer 7

4

Question 8

How many different MHC class I / II molecules can an individual produce?

Answer 8

Six different MHC I and six different MHC II (2x3)

Question 9

Why is it important that members of the population express different HLA alleles?

Answer 9

Some people would be naturally more resistant to antigens. Polymorphism and polygeny means detection of a new pathogen by at least some members and hence survive is high

Question 10

Why is alloreactivity a problem?

Answer 10

T cells can recognize non-self MHC-peptide combinations aas self MHC bound to foreign molecules and mount an immune response
- Problem in transplantation