Artemisia annua allergen-specific T-cell receptor

Artemisia annua allergen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) are specialized protein complexes found on the surface of CD4+ T-lymphocytes that specifically recognize peptide fragments derived from Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) pollen, such as the major allergen Art a 1 (Jahn-Schmid et al., 2002, Journal of Immunology). These peptides are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules, most notably HLA-DRB1*01, on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (Wopfner et al., 2005, International Archives of Allergy and Immunology). Upon binding, the TCR triggers a signaling cascade that leads to T-cell activation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory Th2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which drive the allergic response in sensitized individuals (Gadermaier et al., 2014, Molecular Immunology). This interaction is a primary driver of seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma in regions where mugwort is prevalent. Therapeutic strategies targeting these TCRs focus on allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to reprogram the immune system toward tolerance by inducing T-cell anergy or regulatory T-cell differentiation (Zidarn et al., 2012, Clinical and Translational Allergy). Understanding the TCR repertoire and epitope specificity is crucial for developing component-resolved diagnosis and personalized immunotherapy (Levin et al., 2014, Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology).

Other names

Art a-specific TCRSweet wormwood pollen-specific T-cell receptorArt a 1-specific T-cell receptorArtemisia-reactive T-cell receptor

Induction of immune tolerance through T-cell anergy, clonal deletion, or the promotion of regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation to suppress Th2-mediated allergic inflammation.