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What is the difference between alpha/beta and gamma/delta TCRs? Specificity? Require MHC? What do they see?

A) Alpha/beta TCRs recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules; gamma/delta TCRs recognize lipid antigens.
B) Alpha/beta TCRs recognize lipid antigens; gamma/delta TCRs recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules.
C) Both alpha/beta and gamma/delta TCRs recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules.
D) Neither alpha/beta nor gamma/delta TCRs require MHC molecules for antigen recognition.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Alpha/beta TCRs recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules, while gamma/delta TCRs can recognize a broader range of antigens, including non-peptide antigens, without always requiring MHC molecules for antigen presentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main difference between alpha/beta T-cell receptors (TCRs) and gamma/delta TCRs lies in the types of antigens they recognize and the requirement for Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. Alpha/beta TCRs typically recognize peptides that are presented by MHC molecules. On the other hand, gamma/delta TCRs can recognize a broader range of antigens, including non-peptide antigens, and this recognition is not always dependent on antigen presentation by MHC molecules. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'A) Alpha/beta TCRs recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules; gamma/delta TCRs recognize lipid antigens.'

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