Antigen recognition receptor

An antigen recognition receptor is a broad term used to describe the surface molecules expressed on lymphocytes (notably B cells and T cells) that specifically recognize antigens—a critical step in triggering adaptive immune responses. In vertebrates, the major classes of these receptors are the B cell receptor (BCR), found on B lymphocytes, and the T cell receptor (TCR), found on T lymphocytes. Each receptor is unique to a lymphocyte clone and is highly diverse, enabling recognition of a vast array of antigens. This diversity results from genetic recombination events during lymphocyte development (V(D)J recombination). When these receptors bind their respective antigens (directly in the case of BCRs, or via MHC-bound peptide for TCRs), the cell is activated, leading to an immune response such as antibody production or cellular cytotoxicity. As a group, "antigen recognition receptors" do not denote a distinct molecular target but encompass multiple structurally and functionally related proteins critical for immune defense.

Other names

Antigen receptorB cell antigen receptorT cell antigen receptorBCRTCR