What happens to antigen presenting cells when they encounter and process an antigen?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the response of antigen presenting cells when they encounter and process an antigen, focusing on the biological changes that occur in these cells.
Answer
APCs break down antigens into peptides and present them with class II MHC molecules to T cell receptors.
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) process a protein antigen by breaking it into peptides and presenting them on their cell surface in conjunction with class II MHC molecules, which then interact with specific T cell receptors.
Answer for screen readers
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) process a protein antigen by breaking it into peptides and presenting them on their cell surface in conjunction with class II MHC molecules, which then interact with specific T cell receptors.
More Information
This process is essential for initiating the adaptive immune response, enabling the immune system to recognize and respond to specific pathogens.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing class I and class II MHC molecules. Remember, class II MHC molecules are involved in presenting extracellularly derived antigens.
Sources
- Antigen Presenting Cell - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Antigen-presenting cell - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Acquired Immunity - Merck Manual Consumer Version - merckmanuals.com
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