key term - MHC class I

Definition

MHC Class I molecules are proteins found on the surface of all nucleated cells in the body that present peptide fragments derived from the cellular cytoplasm to CD8+ T cells. They play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cells infected by viruses or transformed by cancer.

Related terms

CD8+ T cells: White blood cells that act as immune system 'soldiers,' directly attacking and destroying infected or cancerous cells they're alerted to by MHC Class I molecules.

Antigen presentation: The process by which protein fragments (antigens) are displayed on the cell surface by MHC molecules for recognition by T cells, critical for initiating an adaptive immune response.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes: A type of T cell activated by antigen presentation via MHC Class I, specialized in killing infected or cancerous cells directly