House dust mite allergen-specific CD4+ T-cell receptor (HDM-specific TCR)

Allergen-specific CD4+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing Dermatophagoides peptide–MHC II complexes are specialized surface proteins on T helper cells that initiate the allergic immune cascade against house dust mites (HDM). These receptors specifically identify peptide fragments from major HDM allergens, such as Der p 1 and Der p 2, when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHC II) molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (Wambre et al., 2012, Science Translational Medicine). In sensitized individuals, the engagement of these TCRs predominantly leads to the activation of Th2 cells, which orchestrate allergic inflammation through the secretion of cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 (Christiansen et al., 2015, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology). This process is central to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Therapeutic interventions, such as allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) using products like Acarizax or Odactra, target these TCRs to induce immunological tolerance by promoting T-cell anergy or the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) (Durham & Shamji, 2023, Nature Reviews Immunology). Monitoring these TCRs using peptide-MHC tetramers serves as a critical biomarker for assessing the efficacy of desensitization treatments (FDA, 2017, Odactra Prescribing Information).

Other names

Dermatophagoides-specific T-cell receptorHDM-specific TCRDer p 1-specific TCRDer p 2-specific TCRMite allergen-specific CD4+ TCR

Induction of immune tolerance through T-cell anergy, deletion, or the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) following controlled antigen exposure.