Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, also designated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, are cell-surface receptors that bind foreign peptides and present them to T lymphocytes.1 MHC class I molecules consist of two polypeptide chains, an α or heavy chain, and β2-microglobulin, a non-covalently associated protein.2 Cytotoxic T lymphocytes bind antigenic peptides presented by MHC class I molecules.3 Antigens that bind to MHC class I molecules are typically 8-10 residues in length and are stabilized in a peptide binding groove.4 HLA-class I MHC antigens are intrinsic membrane glycoproteins expressed on nucleated cells and non-covalently associated with an invariant β2-microglobulin. They carry foreign determinants important for immune recognition by cytotoxic T cells and are thus important for antiviral and antitumor defense. 3 Human HLA-class I antigens are represented by HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C moleculesWARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
