title: Hypothesis: a molecular model for the MHC-restricted recognition of antigens by the T-cell receptor.
abstract: A molecular model is proposed for the recognition of foreign antigens in association with self MHC antigens by the T-cell antigen receptor. Within a single combining site, the receptor binds a "non-self" antigenic determinant consisting of exposed molecular features of self and foreign antigens comprised within an area of about 25 X 30 A. No major conformational change in either MHC antigens or the T-cell receptor takes place as a result of complex formation and antigen recognition.
mesh_terms: D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell