The major histocompatibility complex MHC is a large locus on vertebrate DNA containing a set of closely linked polymorphic genes that code for cell surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system. These cell surface proteins are called MHC molecules. This locus got its name because it was Ver ms. The first descriptions of the MHC were made by British immunologist Peter Gorer in . MHC genes were first identified in inbred mice strains. Clarence Little transplanted tumors across different strains and found Ver ms. Peptides are processed and presented by two classical pathways In MHC class II, phagocytes such as macrophages and immature dendritic cells take up entities by Ver ms. In their development in the thymus, T lymphocytes are selected to recognize MHC molecules of the host, but not recognize other self antigens. Following selection, each T lymphocyte shows dual specificity The TCR recognizes self MHC, but only non-self Ver ms. The MHC locus is present in all jawed vertebrates, it is assumed
