B-cell receptor and T-cell receptor recognizing SARS-CoV-2 spike and influenza hemagglutinin epitopes (BCR/TCR (SARS-CoV-2/Flu))

This target refers to the specific repertoire of B-cell receptors (BCRs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs) that possess the unique ability to recognize and bind to epitopes on both the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) [1, 2]. These dual-reactive receptors are a focal point of research into universal or pan-viral vaccines, as they represent the biological basis for cross-protective immunity against multiple respiratory pathogens [3, 4]. In the context of infection and vaccination, these receptors undergo clonal expansion and affinity maturation to provide long-term memory [5, 6]. Drugs, primarily in the form of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, interact with these receptors by presenting or mimicking viral epitopes to elicit a protective immune response [2, 8]. Understanding the structural basis of how these receptors bind to conserved epitopes across different viral families is essential for designing next-generation immunotherapies that can withstand viral evolution and prevent future pandemics [4, 7].

Other names

Dual-reactive B-cellsCross-reactive SARS-CoV-2/Influenza receptorsPan-viral immune receptorsSARS-CoV-2/Flu cross-reactive BCRs/TCRsHeterologous immune receptorsCross-reactive B-cell receptorsCross-reactive T-cell receptors

Vaccines act as antigens that bind to these receptors, triggering B-cell and T-cell activation, clonal expansion, and the production of cross-neutralizing antibodies or cytotoxic responses.