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major histocompatibility complex

noun

Definition of major histocompatibility complex

: a group of genes in mammals that code for cell-surface polymorphic glycoprotein molecules which display antigenic peptide fragments for T cell recognition and aid in the ability of the immune system to determine self from nonself

Examples of major histocompatibility complex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 What Pheramor is actually comparing are 11 genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which code for proteins on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognize invaders. — Jackie Mansky, Smithsonian, "The Dubious Science of Genetics-Based Dating," 15 Feb. 2018 Dr Lobmaier and his team were testing the idea that people literally sniff out partners with appropriate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. — The Economist, "Best matesWhat eyes and odours reveal about sexual attraction," 12 Oct. 2017

First Known Use of major histocompatibility complex

1972, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for major histocompatibility complex

major histocompatibility complex

noun

Medical Definition of major histocompatibility complex

: a group of genes in mammals that function especially in determining the histocompatibility antigens found on cell surfaces and that in humans comprise the alleles occurring at four loci on the short arm of chromosome 6 —abbreviation MHC

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