Final answer:
The components of the exogenous antigen presentation pathway for MHC II include antigen uptake, antigen processing, MHC II loading, and antigen presentation. Antigen-presenting cells take up extracellular antigens and break them down into smaller fragments. MHC II molecules bind to the processed antigen fragments and present them on the cell surface for recognition by CD4+ T helper cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Components of the exogenous antigen presentation pathway for MHC II
The exogenous antigen presentation pathway for MHC II involves several components:
- Antigen Uptake: Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells take up extracellular antigens through receptor-mediated endocytosis.
- Antigen Processing: The antigen taken up by the APCs is broken down into smaller fragments in the endomembrane system.
- MHC II Loading: MHC II molecules are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and transported to the endomembrane system. In the Golgi complex, MHC II molecules associate with the processed antigen fragments.
- Antigen Presentation: The MHC II-antigen complex is transported to the cell surface, where it can be recognized by CD4+ T helper cells. When a T cell receptor binds to the MHC II-antigen complex, it activates the T cell, initiating an immune response.