Antigen processing is a crucial immune system function where proteins are broken down into peptides that can be presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to T cells, initiating an immune response. This process ensures that both endogenous and exogenous antigens are efficiently recognized, facilitating the body's ability to detect and respond to pathogens and infected cells.

Antigen Processing

Antigen processing

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It distinguishes between self and non-self entities, activating a response to neutralize or eliminate potential threats while maintaining tolerance to the body's own cells.

immune system function

Proteins broken down

Peptides presentation

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a set of cell surface proteins essential for the acquired immune system to recognize foreign molecules, which in turn determines histocompatibility and immune response. MHC molecules present peptide fragments to T cells, and their variability is crucial for the immune system's ability to adapt to a wide array of pathogens.

major histocompatibility complex

MHC Molecules

T cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity, recognizing and responding to antigens presented by other cells. They are crucial in the immune system's ability to target and eliminate infected or cancerous cells, as well as in orchestrating the overall immune response.

T cells

The immune response is the body's defense mechanism against pathogens, involving a complex interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. It includes the recognition of foreign antigens, activation of immune cells, and the elimination of pathogens, while also maintaining tolerance to self-antigens to prevent autoimmunity.

immune response

Endogenous antigens are proteins that originate within a cell and are processed and presented on the cell surface by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. They play a crucial role in immune surveillance, allowing cytotoxic T cells to detect and eliminate infected or cancerous cells by recognizing these antigens as 'non-self'.

Endogenous Antigens

exogenous antigens

Antigen recognition is a critical process in the immune system where immune cells identify and bind to specific antigens, triggering an immune response. This recognition is primarily mediated by antigen-specific receptors on lymphocytes, such as T-cell receptors and antibodies, which ensure precision in targeting pathogens and infected cells.

Antigen Recognition

body's ability to detect

respond to pathogens

When a cell in your body gets infected, it means a tiny germ, like a virus or bacteria, has gotten inside and is using the cell to make more germs. Your body has special helpers, like white blood cells, that try to find and stop these germs to keep you healthy.

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