Lecture 9 Flashcards
What does MHC stand for?
Major histocompatability complex
What are the two major subdivisions of T cells (based on the sequence of the T cell receptors)?
Alpha beta
Gamma delta
What does TCR stand for?
T cell receptor
What are the subtypes of Alpha beta T cells?
CD4+
CD8+
CD4+ T cells recognize antigens presented on which molecule?
MHC II
CD8+ T cells recognize antigens presented on which molecule?
MHC I
What is meant by the term “antigen presentation”
An antigen-presenting cell chops up an antigen and presents it on an MHC molecule
True or False: A single T cell can detect multiple antigen types.
FALSE
T cells are specific to only one antigen
If a CD4+ T cell encounters its antigen, what will it differentiate into (i.e. what kind of effector cell will it become)?
T helper cell
Subclasses: Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and Tfh
What differentiates the different CD4+ effector cells?
The kinds of cytokines they can secrete.
What is the CD8+ effector cell (i.e. what kind of cell does it differentiate into once it encounters its antigen)?
Cytotoxic T cells
How many genes for MHC I does an individual inherent from its parents?
6
3 from the mother and 3 from the father.
Note that in inbred animals, the individual may not inherit 6 different genes.
True or False: T cells can recognize free-floating antigens in the same way that B cells can.
FALSE
T cells must have an antigen presented on an MHC molecule in order to detect it.
What molecule are we looking at here?
MHC class I
Note that there is only one transmembrane region, and that only one chain contributes to the groove at the apical surface.
What molecule are we looking at here?
MHC class II
Note that there are 2 transmembrane regions, and that both chains contribute to the groove at the apical surface.
How many MHC II chains does an individual possess?
6 alpha chains and 6 beta chains.
These can make different combinations of 2 chains, resulting in 10-15 different dimers that are expressed.
Which molecule class (protein, lipid, etc.) do TCRs recognize?
Only peptides
Must be bound to an MHC
Do B cell receptors (BCRs) require an MHC for immune recognition?
No
BCRs can recognize intact antigens.
Name the four major receptors of the immune system.
MHC I
MHC II
TCR
BCR
The immunoglobulin superfamily is a broad class of molecules, many of which are important receptors of the immune system. What do they all have in common?
110 amino acid homology domains (remember from lecture 7!)
Which cells have MHC I molecules?
All nucleated cells