major histocompatibility antigen class II

Last reviewed 07/2021

  • MHC class II:
    • alleles at the DP, DQ, DR loci
    • consist of a larger alpha chain and small beta chain (beta2 microglobulin - the gene for this chain lies on chromosome 15 and shows no variability)
    • expressed on cells with which T cells are required to interact with - antigen presenting cells, B cells, activated T cells.