Culture filtrate protein 10-specific CD4+ T-cell receptor (CFP-10-specific CD4+ TCR)

Culture filtrate protein 10-specific CD4+ T-cell receptors are specialized immune receptors that recognize the Culture Filtrate Protein 10 (CFP-10), also known as EsxB, which is a potent antigen secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) (UniProt P9WNK3). These receptors are expressed on the surface of CD4+ T lymphocytes and function by binding to CFP-10-derived peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells (PubMed 15103050). This interaction is a critical component of the adaptive immune response against tuberculosis, as it triggers the activation of T cells and the subsequent release of protective cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (PubMed 10657950). In clinical practice, these receptors are the basis for Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), which are used to diagnose latent and active TB infections by measuring the T-cell response to CFP-10 (CDC Tuberculosis Screening). Furthermore, these TCRs are being investigated as therapeutic targets for adoptive T-cell therapy, where patient T cells are engineered to express CFP-10-specific receptors to bolster the immune clearance of drug-resistant Mtb strains (PubMed 31217454). Therapeutic development faces challenges such as HLA restriction, where the TCR must be matched to the patient's specific MHC genotype, and the risk of off-target immune activation (Journal of Immunology).

Other names

EsxB-specific CD4+ T-cell receptorCFP10-specific TCRMycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4+ T-cell receptorCulture filtrate protein 10-specific T-cell receptor

Recognition of CFP-10 peptide-MHC II complexes on infected cells, leading to T-cell activation and the secretion of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) to enhance macrophage microbicidal activity.