Original scientific paper

Antigen presentation to t-lymphocyte in the induction of immune response

Zdenko Kovač

Abstract

Activation of the T lymphocyte response by a foreign antigen comprises a set of cellular and molecular interactions. Recently published experiments have revealed the biochemical basis of antigen processing and presentation by antigen presenting cells. The exposititon of the epitope and/or an increased partition into the lipid membrane are considered minimal biochemical requirements of antigen processing. Processed antigenic peptide binds to a major histocompatibility molecule, which therewith acts as a cell surface receptor. This holds for both class one and class two MHC restricted responses. The formation of immune complexes between the processed peptide and major histocompatibility molecule takes place before their recognition by the T cell receptor, and it is independent of its presence. Cognate antigen-MHC molecule recognition by the cell receptor is a molecular fondation of the phenomenology of MHC restricted T cell responses, and it functions as one level of the immune response (Ir) gene function. These phenomena are therefore briefly discussed in the context of our contemporary understanding of antigen processing and presentation.

Keywords

antigen-presenting cells; T cells

Hrčak ID:

196179

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/196179

Publication date:

1.12.1990.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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