Prepare for your Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our comprehensive exam resources. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints, and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness for success!

Multiple Choice

Endogenous antigens are presented by which class of MHC molecules?

Endogenous antigens are produced inside the cell, so they’re presented on MHC class I molecules. These molecules are found on nearly all nucleated cells and display short peptide fragments (about 8–10 amino acids) to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. The peptides come from proteins degraded by the proteasome, then transported into the endoplasmic reticulum by TAP, where they are loaded onto MHC class I and sent to the cell surface. In contrast, exogenous antigens taken up from outside are displayed by MHC class II molecules to CD4+ helper T cells, and MHC class III refers to other immune-related proteins, not antigen presentation. So, endogenous antigens are presented by MHC class I.

Endogenous antigens are produced inside the cell, so they’re presented on MHC class I molecules. These molecules are found on nearly all nucleated cells and display short peptide fragments (about 8–10 amino acids) to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. The peptides come from proteins degraded by the proteasome, then transported into the endoplasmic reticulum by TAP, where they are loaded onto MHC class I and sent to the cell surface.

In contrast, exogenous antigens taken up from outside are displayed by MHC class II molecules to CD4+ helper T cells, and MHC class III refers to other immune-related proteins, not antigen presentation. So, endogenous antigens are presented by MHC class I.