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What must protein antigens be processed into and bound onto to be recognised by a T-Cell Receptor?

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Solution

Protein antigens must be processed into peptides and then bound onto Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to be recognized by a T-Cell Receptor. Here are the steps:

  1. Antigen Presentation: The protein antigen is first taken up by an antigen-presenting cell (APC), such as a dendritic cell or macrophage. This can occur through processes like phagocytosis or endocytosis.

  2. Antigen Processing: Inside the APC, the protein antigen is broken down into smaller peptide fragments by enzymes. This process is known as antigen processing.

  3. Peptide Loading onto MHC: The peptide fragments are then loaded onto MHC molecules. There are two types of MHC molecules - MHC class I and MHC class II. The type of MHC molecule that the peptide binds to depends on the type of T cell that will recognize it.

  4. T-Cell Recognition: The APC then presents the peptide-MHC complex on its surface. A T cell with a matching T-cell receptor (TCR) can bind to this complex, leading to T cell activation. This is the key step where the T cell recognizes the antigen.

So, in summary, protein antigens must be processed into peptides and bound onto MHC molecules to be recognized by a T-Cell Receptor.

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