Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule is highly polymorphic. Each MHC allele has a limited capacity to bind its susceptible T cell epitopes to form an MHC-peptide complex (pMHC) and subsequently activates a compatible T cell clone. The cytotoxic T cell plays the role of eliminating virally infected cells to heal the infected patient. Overall, this article will discuss why some viral-infected patients can recover from the infected virus regardless of any treatment while others cannot. During the emergent viral epidemics, the new-coming medicines claimed to be able to treat the infected viruses. We should reconsider that some individuals, perhaps most, can recover from the infected virus with their own immunity. The fundamental comprehension of the critical role of the MHC molecule in individual immunity should be helpful to reconsider the strategy to manipulate the public health system including the notion to generate emergent viral vaccines.
Part of the book: Human Leukocyte Antigens