CD4+ T-cell receptor recognizing poliovirus capsid-derived peptides (Poliovirus-specific CD4+ TCR)

CD4+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing poliovirus capsid-derived peptides are specialized immune receptors that play a pivotal role in the adaptive immune response against poliovirus (PubMed: 7543105). These receptors, located on the surface of T helper cells, specifically bind to viral peptide fragments—typically derived from capsid proteins VP1, VP2, or VP3—that are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells (PubMed: 8383511). This interaction is a fundamental step in the induction of protective immunity, as it triggers the activation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Once activated, these cells provide essential signals to B cells for the production of high-affinity neutralizing antibodies, which are the primary correlates of protection against poliomyelitis (WHO Polio Vaccines Position Paper). These TCRs are the primary targets of poliovirus vaccines, such as the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) and the Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV), which aim to establish a robust memory T-cell population. Understanding the specificity and diversity of these TCRs is crucial for evaluating vaccine efficacy and ensuring long-term population immunity against both wild-type and vaccine-derived polioviruses.

Other names

Poliovirus-specific T-cell receptorPolio capsid-specific TCRCD4+ TCR for poliovirus

Vaccine-derived antigens are processed and presented by MHC class II molecules to CD4+ TCRs, triggering T-cell activation and subsequent B-cell help for neutralizing antibody production (PubMed: 8383511).