Which gene products are indicative of class I major histocompatibility complex?

The correct answer identifies HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C as the gene products indicative of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Class I MHC molecules are primarily expressed on the surface of nearly all nucleated cells and play a crucial role in the immune system, specifically in presenting endogenous antigens—such as those from viruses or cancer cells—to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. This presentation is essential for the recognition of infected or malignant cells, leading to their destruction.

HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C are the main genes that encode for these MHC class I molecules. Each of these gene products can vary in terms of their alleles across different individuals, which contributes to the diversity and specificity of the immune response.

In contrast, the other gene products mentioned in the other choices, such as HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DR, are part of the class II major histocompatibility complex, which are involved in presenting exogenous antigens to CD4+ T helper cells. This functional distinction is crucial in understanding the roles of different MHC classes in immune responses. Therefore, the identification of HLA-A, HLA-B,