Biology Forums - Study Force

What is meant when "T-lymphocytes are HLA restricted" in terms of recognizing antigens?

Refers to the fact that a given T cell will recognize a peptide antigen only when it is bound to a host body's own MHC molecule. Normally, as T cells are stimulated only in the presence of self-MHC molecules, antigen is recognized only as peptides bound to self-MHC molecules.

Thank you :) So it is restricted in the sense that it won't target self antigens, and will recognize foreign antigens only when bound to MHC and nothing else?

Right

Many thanks :)