Imunoquímica e Imunopatologia

Antigen Processing and Presentation: MHC Structure, Function and Ligands

Abstract

Mur Lafferty*

Antigen processing and presentation are crucial steps in the immune response, enabling the immune system to recognize and respond to foreign substances, such as pathogens or abnormal cells. These processes involve the presentation of antigens, which are small parts of foreign proteins, to immune cells called T lymphocytes (T cells). Antigens can enter the body through various routes, such as ingestion, inhalation, or through wounds. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), primarily dendritic cells, macrophages and B cells, are responsible for capturing antigens. They have specialized receptors, such as Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), which can recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) present on pathogens. Once captured, the antigens undergo processing within the APCs.