ofTcelreceptoren

OfTcelreceptoren, also known as T-cell receptors (TCRs), are protein complex molecules found on the surface of T lymphocytes (T cells). These receptors are crucial components of the adaptive immune system, playing a central role in recognizing and binding to specific antigens presented by other cells. The primary function of ofTcelreceptoren is to distinguish between foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, and the body's own healthy cells.

Each ofTcelreceptor is composed of a variable region and a constant region. The variable region is highly diverse and is responsible for binding to specific antigen fragments. This diversity is generated through a process called V(D)J recombination, ensuring that the immune system can recognize a vast array of potential threats. The constant region anchors the receptor to the T cell membrane.

When an ofTcelreceptor successfully binds to an antigen presented on a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule on the surface of another cell, it triggers a signaling cascade within the T cell. This activation leads to a variety of downstream effects, including the proliferation of T cells and the initiation of an immune response. Different types of T cells, such as helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells, utilize ofTcelreceptoren to mediate distinct immunological functions. Cytotoxic T cells, for instance, use their ofTcelreceptoren to identify and eliminate infected or cancerous cells.