CD4+ T-cell receptor recognizing Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin-derived peptides on MHC class II (KLH-TCR)

CD4+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH)-derived peptides on MHC class II molecules are the primary molecular sensors for the potent immune response elicited by KLH (Harris & Markl, 1999, Micron). KLH is a massive, copper-containing protein from the hemolymph of the marine mollusk Megathura crenulata and is highly immunogenic in humans due to its foreign nature and complex structure (Swaminathan et al., 2014, Vaccine). Upon administration, KLH is processed by professional antigen-presenting cells and its peptide fragments are presented via MHC class II to specific CD4+ T cells (Lebrec et al., 2014, Journal of Immunotoxicology). This interaction leads to robust T-cell activation, which is leveraged in clinical settings to boost the efficacy of conjugate vaccines targeting cancer or infectious diseases (Gilewski et al., 2001, Clinical Cancer Research). Additionally, KLH is used as a direct intravesical therapy for superficial bladder cancer and as a standard neoantigen to evaluate the functional integrity of the cellular immune system in patients (Lamm et al., 1993, Journal of Urology).

Other names

Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin-specific T-cell receptorKLH-specific TCRMHC II-restricted KLH-specific T-cell receptor

The mechanism of action involves the binding of the T-cell receptor to the complex of a KLH-derived peptide and an MHC class II molecule on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell, which triggers a signaling cascade leading to CD4+ T-cell activation and the subsequent orchestration of an adaptive immune response (Janeway et al., 2001; Lebrec et al., 2014).