Major histocompatibility complex

Question 1

Describe class 1 MHC molecules

Answer 1

highly polymorphic

expressed on all nucleated cells

Question 2

Describe class 2 MHC molecules

Answer 2

found only on antigen presenting cells

some are polymorphic

Question 3

Describe class 3 MHC molecules

Answer 3

functions in innate immunity
do not function as antigen presenting molecules
found on white blood cells

Question 4

How are MHC genes in mammals expressed?

Answer 4

co-dominantly

Question 5

What is a set of MHC alleles present on a chromosome called?

Answer 5

haplotype

Question 6

Which T cells go with MHC I/II?

Answer 6

MHC I: CD8

MHC II: CD4

Question 7

Describe the structure of MHC I molecules

Answer 7

heterodimer with an alpha chain, beta-2 microglobulin chain, and a bound peptide
(Stable expression requires all three elements)

Question 8

What makes up the antigen binding groove?

Answer 8

extracellular domain on the MHC molecule

ABG is the most variable part of the MHC molecule

Question 9

What makes up the peptide binding groove?

Answer 9

alpha-1 and beta-1 chains

Question 10

Will a foreign antigen peptide that doesn’t fit the MHC molecule trigger an immune response?

Answer 10

no

Question 11

Which animal will bind more antigen peptides? homozygous or heterozygous?

Answer 11

heterozygous (expression of more alleles)