CD4+ T-cell receptor recognizing HPV16 L1-derived peptides (HPV16 L1-specific TCR)

CD4+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing L1-derived peptides presented on MHC class II are specialized immune receptors that play a critical role in the adaptive defense against Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). These TCRs specifically identify epitopes from the L1 major capsid protein, which are processed and displayed by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules, such as HLA-DR, on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. This recognition is a fundamental mechanism underlying the efficacy of prophylactic HPV vaccines, which utilize L1 virus-like particles (VLPs) to stimulate robust CD4+ T-cell help and subsequent antibody production. In therapeutic research, these TCRs are investigated for their potential in adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and TCR-engineered T-cell therapies (TCR-T) to treat HPV-associated lesions and early-stage malignancies. However, because L1 expression is frequently lost during the progression to invasive cancer as the virus integrates into the host genome, these TCRs are primarily targeted for early intervention or as part of multi-antigen immunotherapy strategies. Their activation triggers the secretion of Th1 cytokines like interferon-gamma, which orchestrates a broader anti-viral and anti-tumor immune environment.

Other names

HPV16 L1-specific T-cell receptorL1-restricted CD4+ TCRHuman papillomavirus type 16 L1-specific TCRMHC class II-restricted HPV16 L1 TCR

Binding of the TCR to the L1 peptide-MHC II complex on antigen-presenting cells, leading to CD4+ T-cell activation, proliferation, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that support cytotoxic T-cell and B-cell responses.