DUAL RECOGNITION HYPOTHESIS

dual recognition hypothesis: translation

An outmoded hypothesis that is known to be incorrect now that the structure of the T-cell receptor is known. The proposal was that viral (and some chemical) antigens were recognized in association with histocompatibility antigens by separate receptors on the T-cell. The generation of cytotoxic T-cells was by association with Class I MHC antigens, of T-helper cells by association with Class II MHC antigens. See altered self hypothesis.