Hypothesis: a molecular model for the MHC-restricted recognition of antigens by the T-cell receptor.

A molecular model is proposed for the recognition of foreign antigens in association with self MHC antigens by the T-cell antigen receptor. Within a single combining site, the receptor binds a "non-self" antigenic determinant consisting of exposed molecular features of self and foreign antigens comprised within an area of about 25 X 30 A. No major conformational change in either MHC antigens or the T-cell receptor takes place as a result of complex formation and antigen recognition.