Difference Between MHC Class I and MHC Class II Proteins
Characteristics | MHC Class I Proteins | MHC Class II Proteins |
Structure |
The α chain + β2-microglobulin |
the α chain + β chain |
Cell Surface Expression |
The ubiquitous (expressed on most nucleated cells) |
The restricted to the antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells) |
Antigen Source |
Intracellular pathogens (viruses, intracellular bacteria) |
Extracellular pathogens (bacteria, parasites) |
Antigen Processing |
Endogenous pathway: antigens derived from inside the cell are processed and presented on MHC Class I molecules |
Exogenous pathway: antigens internalized from the extracellular environment are processed and presented on MHC Class II molecules |
Peptide Size |
Small peptides (8-10 amino acids) |
Larger peptides (13-25 amino acids) |
T Cell Interaction |
The CD8+ T cells (cytotoxic T cells) |
The CD4+ T cells (helper T cells) |
Co-receptor |
The CD8 molecule |
The CD4 molecule |
Immune Function |
Cytotoxicity (killing infected or abnormal cells) |
The immune regulation, coordination, and activation of other immune cells |
Location |
Present of all nucleated cells |
Present primarily on antigen-presenting cells |
Difference Between MHC Class 1 and MHC Class 2 Proteins
Difference Between Mhc Class 1 and Mhc Class 2 Proteins: The MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) proteins play a crucial role in the immune system by presenting antigens to the immune cells. Both MHC I and MHC II are responsible for distinguishing between self and non-self molecules, allowing the immune system to recognize and eliminate foreign invaders.
MHC Class I proteins are found on the surface of almost all nucleated cells in the body. MHC Class II proteins are primarily expressed on antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. In this article, we will read about Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins and the difference between MHC Class 1 and MHC Class 2 proteins.
Table of Content
- MHC Class I Proteins
- MHC Class II Proteins
- Difference Between MHC Class I and MHC Class II Proteins
- MHC I vs MHC II Diagram
- Conclusion – Difference Between MHC Class 1 and MHC Class 2 Proteins
- FAQs on Difference Between MHC Class 1 and MHC Class 2 Proteins