major histocompatibility complexes

Main Entry: major histocompatibility complex
Function: noun
: a group of genes that function especially in determining the histocompatibility antigens found on cellsurfaces and that in humans comprise the alleles occurring at four loci on the short arm of chromosome 6 —abbreviation MHC

major histocompatibility complex n.

Abbr. MHC A chromosomal segment that codes for cell-surface histocompatibility antigens and is the principal determinant of tissue type and transplant compatibility. Also called HLA complex.

major histocompatibility complex   (mā'jər)  Pronunciation Key  A group of genes that code for cell-surface histocompatibility antigens and are the principal determinants of tissue type and transplant compatibility. They are the most diverse genes in humans and are used to determine if a sample of DNA comes from a specific person.