Autoreactive pathogenic T cell receptor-bearing lymphocyte

Autoreactive pathogenic T cell receptor-bearing lymphocytes are a subset of T lymphocytes (T cells) that express antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing self-peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Unlike normal T cells, these autoreactive T cells escape central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms and can mediate tissue damage by recognizing and responding to endogenous antigens, driving the development and progression of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and myositis[1][2][3][6]. They act as effector or regulatory cells, depending on context, and can display polyspecificity for multiple self and microbial epitopes, which may exacerbate pathology via "epitope spreading"[2]. In research and therapeutic contexts, targeting or profiling specific TCR clonotypes associated with pathogenic autoreactivity is a major strategy for disease intervention and biomarker identification[1][5].

Other names

Autoreactive T cellPathogenic T cellAutoreactive T lymphocyte

Immunosuppression (general); T cell depletion or functional inhibition