histocompatibility antigen

noun

: any of the polymorphic glycoprotein molecules on the surface membranes of cells that aid in the ability of the immune system to determine self from nonself, that bind to and display antigenic peptide fragments for T cell recognition, and that are determined by the major histocompatibility complex

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Cite this Entry

“Histocompatibility antigen.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/histocompatibility%20antigen. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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