Question

A variety of molecular components of the adaptive immune system bind epitopes (antigenic determinants). Compare and contrast the binding of epitopes by 1. antibody molecules, 2. T cell receptors (TCRs), and 3. MHC molecules, and describe the consequences of the different interactions.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

An epitope (antigen determinants) is the part of an antigen that interacts with antibodies.

Epitopes bind to antibody molecules via T-cell receptors in a region known as complementarity determining region (CDR) and the Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) participates in this by forming complexes with peptides. The MHC helps the T-cell to recognise epitopes of antigens and discriminate self from non-self.

The MHC, T-cell works together to bring about the binding of epitopes to antibody molecules.

The main function of MHC molecules is to bind to antigens derived from pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells.

It should be noted that the amino acid sequence of the CDR determines the shape of the binding sites of the T-cell and the antibody that can be bound by an epitope.

The consequences of the interactions are;

1. MHC-peptide complex helps T-cell receptors bind to epitopes and thus antibodies

2. The shape of the binding sites (CDR) determines the antibodies that can be attacked any abnormalities at this point will affect the adaptive immune system.