Antigen-presenting cell receptor (APC receptor)

Antigen-presenting cell (APC) receptors are a diverse group of surface proteins expressed on professional APCs, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, that are essential for the initiation and regulation of adaptive immune responses [1, 2]. These receptors include Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, which present peptide antigens to T-cell receptors, and co-stimulatory molecules like CD40, CD80, and CD86 that provide the necessary secondary signals for T-cell activation [2, 13]. Additionally, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) allow APCs to sense pathogens and modulate their maturation state [4, 10]. In therapeutic contexts, these receptors are targeted to either enhance immune responses against cancer and infections (via agonists like Sotigalimab or Imiquimod) or to suppress unwanted immune activity in autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation (via agents like Abatacept) [3, 13]. Challenges in targeting APC receptors include the risk of systemic cytokine release and the need for cell-type specificity to avoid off-target effects [12, 15].

Other names

Professional APC receptorsDendritic cell surface receptorsMacrophage surface receptorsB-cell surface receptorsAntigen-presenting cell surface molecules

Modulation of immune signaling through agonism or antagonism of surface receptors to regulate T-cell priming and effector function [3, 6, 13].