What type of antigens are derived from the surface of nucleated cells that provoke an immune response?

Histocompatibility antigens are indeed derived from the surface of nucleated cells and play a crucial role in the immune response. These antigens are primarily associated with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, which present peptide fragments from proteins to T cells. This presentation is essential for the activation of T cells, as it allows the immune system to recognize foreign antigens from pathogens or even abnormal cells, such as tumor cells.

Histocompatibility antigens are vital for processes such as tissue transplantation and the recognition of self versus non-self. The immune system uses these antigens to distinguish between the body’s own cells and those that are foreign or potentially harmful, thereby guiding the immune response effectively.

Other types of antigens mentioned, such as autoantigens, are derived from the body's own tissues and may provoke an immune response in autoimmune diseases, while microbial antigens originate specifically from pathogens. Heterophile antigens are unrelated to the immune response activation by nucleated cell surfaces but rather represent cross-reactive antigens found in different species. Understanding the function of histocompatibility antigens is essential for grasping how the immune system identifies and responds to various threats.