HIV-1 gp140-specific T-cell receptor (HIV-1 gp140-specific TCR)

HIV-1 gp140-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) are specialized immune receptors that recognize peptide fragments derived from the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp140. The gp140 protein is a trimeric complex comprising the gp120 and gp41 subunits, which are vital for the virus's ability to infect CD4+ T cells (UniProt P04578). These TCRs are typically engineered to have high affinity for gp140 epitopes presented by specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules on the surface of infected cells (PubMed: 18708586). In clinical development, these receptors are used in adoptive cell therapies, such as TCR-T, where a patient's own T cells are modified to express the gp140-specific receptor to enhance viral clearance (PubMed: 22496831). They are also utilized in the design of soluble bispecific molecules that bridge T cells and infected cells to induce targeted killing. The primary therapeutic goal is to eliminate the persistent HIV reservoir that remains despite antiretroviral therapy. Significant challenges include the high genetic diversity of HIV-1, which can lead to mutational escape, and the necessity for HLA-matching in treated patients (PubMed: 25831546).

Other names

HIV-1 envelope-specific T-cell receptorgp140-specific TCRHIV-1 Env-specific TCRgp120/gp41-specific TCR

Recognition of HIV-1 gp140-derived peptides presented by MHC molecules, leading to T-cell mediated lysis of infected cells.