Question

It is now known that T cells can recognize lipids and glycolipids in addition to protein-derived antigens. The T cell response to the lipid and glycolipid cell wall products derived from mycobacteria has been well documented. A third family of antigen-presenting molecules, distantly related to MHC class I and II molecules, has evolved to present lipid and glycolipid antigens derived from microbial pathogens to T cells. What is this family of genes and products called?

CCR5
CCR3
CD1
CEA
CTLA-4

Answer 1

The family of genes and products designed to present lipid and glycolipid antigens to T cells is known as CD1. CD1 molecules are distinct from MHC class I and II and play a vital role in immune responses against some microbial pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The family of genes and products that has evolved to present lipid and glycolipid antigens derived from microbial pathogens to T cells is called CD1. Unlike the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and II molecules, which primarily present protein antigens for T cell recognition, CD1 molecules specialize in presenting non-peptidic antigens, such as lipids and glycolipids, to T cells. This specialized form of antigen presentation by CD1 molecules is important for the immune response against certain pathogens, particularly those with lipid-rich cell walls like mycobacteria.