Grass pollen allergen-specific CD4+ T-cell receptor (TCR)

Grass pollen allergen-specific CD4+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) are specialized immune receptors found on the surface of T helper cells that recognize specific peptide fragments from grass pollen allergens, such as Phl p 1 and Phl p 5. These peptides are presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells, a process that is central to the development of seasonal allergies (Archila et al., 2014). In sensitized individuals, the activation of these TCRs drives a Th2-polarized immune response, resulting in the production of IgE antibodies and the recruitment of eosinophils and mast cells (Wambre et al., 2017). These receptors are the primary focus of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to reprogram the immune system toward a state of tolerance. By delivering controlled doses of the allergen, AIT promotes the induction of regulatory T cells and shifts the cytokine profile away from the pro-inflammatory Th2 state (Akdis & Akdis, 2014). Understanding the structural basis of TCR-HLA-peptide interactions is critical for the design of next-generation, peptide-based vaccines and for monitoring patient responses to treatment.

Other names

Grass pollen TCRPhl p-specific T-cell receptorAllergen-specific CD4+ TCRTimothy grass allergen-specific TCR

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by repeatedly exposing these TCRs to their cognate allergen peptides, leading to T-cell anergy, clonal deletion, and the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that secrete suppressive cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-beta (Akdis & Akdis, 2014; Larche et al., 2006).