Peptide-MHC complex

A peptide-MHC complex is a combination of a small protein fragment (peptide) and a molecule called the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) on cell surfaces. The MHC acts like a display platform, presenting the peptide to immune cells. This interaction helps the immune system recognize and identify whether a cell is healthy or infected by displaying foreign or abnormal peptides. It plays a crucial role in immune surveillance, enabling immune cells to detect and respond to threats such as pathogens or cancerous cells.