Question

What are the similarities and differences of MHC class I and class II?

Accepted Answer

● Similarities:
○ Both are heterodimers
○ Both are made up of alpha and beta chains
○ Alpha subunits for both are encoded by the
MHC gene
● Differences:
○ Beta subunit in MHC I is encoded by beta-2
microglobulin gene and is constant across all
MHC I molecules
○ Beta subunit in MHC II is encoded by the
MHC gene

Front	What are the similarities and differences of MHC class I and class II?
Back	● Similarities: ○ Both are heterodimers ○ Both are made up of alpha and beta chains ○ Alpha subunits for both are encoded by the MHC gene ● Differences: ○ Beta subunit in MHC I is encoded by beta-2 microglobulin gene and is constant across all MHC I molecules ○ Beta subunit in MHC II is encoded by the MHC gene

Mhc I Beta Encoded Gene Class Alpha Subunit