Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Receptor (CTL Receptor)

Cytotoxic lymphocyte receptors, primarily found on cytotoxic T cells (CTLs or CD8+ T cells), are surface molecules crucial for recognizing and eliminating infected, cancerous, or abnormal cells. The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizes specific antigens presented by MHC class I molecules. The CD8 co-receptor enhances TCR-MHC interaction. Upon activation, CTLs release cytolytic granules containing perforin and granzymes to induce apoptosis in target cells. Some CTL subsets also express NK-like receptors. These receptors play a central role in adaptive immunity against intracellular pathogens and tumors, and dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to infections or impaired tumor surveillance. Engineered TCRs, such as those used in CAR-T therapies, are used to redirect CTLs against cancer cells.

Other names

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte ReceptorCD8+ T cell ReceptorCTL Receptor ComplexTCR-CD8 ComplexCytolytic Lymphocyte Receptor

TCR activation leads to downstream signaling cascades, triggering release of cytolytic granules (perforin, granzymes) and expression of death ligands (FasL) to induce apoptosis in target cells.