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Antigen Presentation

Meaning

Antigen presentation is a fundamental immunological process where specialized immune cells, known as Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs), capture, process, and display fragments of foreign or abnormal proteins, called antigens, on their surface. These fragments are presented in the context of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to T-lymphocytes, effectively initiating the adaptive immune response. This biological mechanism is essential for the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self, playing a critical role in defense against pathogens and surveillance against tumor cells. Understanding its nuances is vital in the study of autoimmune diseases and vaccine efficacy.