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

Dictionary Entries Near histocompatibility antigen

Cite this Entry

“Histocompatibility antigen.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/histocompatibility%20antigen. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!