Do antigen-presenting cells express MHC class II molecules?

While MHC class I is ubiquitously expressed by almost all cells, MHC class II is mostly expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

What cells express MHC II on their surface?

MHC Class II molecules are a class of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules normally found only on professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, mononuclear phagocytes, some endothelial cells, thymic epithelial cells, and B cells. These cells are important in initiating immune responses.

Do all cells express MHC II?

Classical MHC class I molecules are ubiquitously expressed on all mammalian cells including cells of epithelial origin while MHC class II molecules are selectively expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APC) including dendritic cells (DC), macrophages, and B cells.

How antigen is processed and presented on the surface of MHC?

The usual process of antigen presentation through the MHC I molecule is based on an interaction between the T-cell receptor and a peptide bound to the MHC class I molecule. There is also an interaction between the CD8+ molecule on the surface of the T cell and non-peptide binding regions on the MHC class I molecule.

What are the differences between the antigens that are displayed by class I and class II MHC molecules?

MHC genes are expressed to produce surface antigens on the cell membrane. The main difference between MHC class 1 and 2 is that MHC class 1 molecules present antigens to cytotoxic T cells with CD8+ receptors whereas MHC class 2 molecules present antigens to helper T cells with CD4+ receptors.

Which cells do not express MHC 2?

Mature red blood cells, which lack a nucleus, are the only cells that do not express MHC molecules on their surface. There are two classes of MHC molecules involved in adaptive immunity, MHC I and MHC II (Figure 1).