The molecular biology of MHC genes.
Antigenic peptides become associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II surface antigens, are then presented to T cells and thereby elicit an antigen-specific cellular or humoral immune response. MHC molecules are genetically heterogeneous and polymorphic; their structure is therefore relevant to modulation of the immune system. The selective pressure resulting from this modulation is in turn the main driving force for the evolution of the complex genetic system. The density of MHC molecules on the cell surface is another parameter that influences immune responsiveness. The study of the evolution and regulation of MHC genes is, therefore, of great interest. These and other themes were discussed at the Third IIGB Workshop* which was recently held in Capri.
Accolla
R S
RS
Istituto di Scienze Immunologiche, Università di Verona, Italy.
Auffray
C
C
Singer
D S
DS
Guardiola
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D008322:Mammals / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology
D014157:Transcription Factors