MHC

MHC may refer to:

Biology

Colleges

Health

Military

People

Other

Major histocompatibility complex

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a set of cell surface proteins essential for acquired immune system to recognize foreign molecules in vertebrates, which in turn determines histocompatibility. The main function of MHC molecules is to bind to peptide fragments derived from pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by the appropriate T-cells. MHC molecules mediate interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells (WBCs), which are immune cells, with other leukocytes or with body cells. The MHC determines compatibility of donors for organ transplant, as well as one's susceptibility to an autoimmune disease via crossreacting immunization. In humans, the MHC is also called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA).

In a cell, protein molecules of the host's own phenotype or of other biologic entities are continually synthesized and degraded. Each MHC molecule on the cell surface displays a molecular fraction of a protein, called an epitope. The presented antigen can be either 'self' or 'nonself', thus preventing an organism`s immune system targeting its own cells. In its entirety, the MHC population is like a meter indicating the balance of proteins within the cell.

USS Avocet (AMCU-16)

USS LCI(L)-653 was an LCI-351-class landing craft infantry built for the United States Navy during World War II. Decommissioned after the war, she was reactivated in 1953 as minehunter USS Avocet (AMCU-16). She was named for the avocet, a long-legged, web-footed shore bird possessing a slender, up-curved bill, found in western and southern states. She was sold in 1960 and her ultimate fate is unknown.

Operational history

Avocet was laid down as LCI(L)-653 on 14 June 1944 at Barber, New Jersey, by the New Jersey Shipbuilding Corp.; launched on 14 July 1944; and commissioned on 21 July 1944.

World War II Pacific operations

Assigned to the Pacific during the last year of World War II, LCI(L)-653 served in the Philippines in the spring of 1945. She participated in the occupation of many of the smaller islands around Mindanao and of those that comprise the Sulu Archipelago.

Post-War operations

After the war, the ship returned to the United States and was placed out of commission, in reserve, on 6 June 1946. On 7 March 1952, LCI(L)-653 was reclassified as a minehunter and was named Avocet (AMCU-16). Her conversion began on 1 July 1953 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and she was recommissioned there on 9 December 1953, Lt. James E. McMullen in command.