Question

Which of the following is the BEST example of MHC restriction of T cells?

1) MHC molecules at the surface of a T-cell clone recognize soluble antigens.
2) A T-cell clone responds more vigorously to a self-peptide than a foreign peptide.
3) A T-cell clone recognizes foreign MHC.
4) A T-cell clone only recognizes foreign peptides when presented by self MHC.
5) All of the above

Answer 1

The best illustration of MHC restriction in T cells is when a T-cell clone is only able to recognize foreign peptides if they are presented by the body's own MHC molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best example of MHC restriction of T cells is when a T-cell clone only recognizes foreign peptides when presented by self MHC. This process highlights the need for a T-cell receptor to identify the antigen-MHC complex on the presenting cell, ensuring that the immune response is finely targeted only against the foreign pathogens that are displayed in the context of the body's own MHC molecules. It is through this intricate mechanism that the body discriminates between self and non-self, preventing autoimmune reactions while effectively targeting pathogens.