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

House dust mite (HDM) allergen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) are specialized heterodimeric proteins located on the surface of CD4+ T lymphocytes that recognize peptide fragments from mite allergens, such as Der p 1 and Der p 2, presented by MHC class II molecules [PMID: 22504744]. This recognition is the primary event in the allergic sensitization process, leading to the activation of Th2 cells that drive IgE production and eosinophilic inflammation in the respiratory tract and skin [PMID: 24908139]. In patients with HDM-induced asthma or rhinitis, these TCRs mediate the chronic inflammatory response to environmental exposure. These receptors are the functional targets of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which utilizes controlled exposure to allergens or synthetic peptides to modify the immune response [PMID: 26900044]. The therapeutic goal is to induce immune tolerance by promoting T-cell anergy or the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that secrete suppressive cytokines like IL-10 [PMID: 17339863]. Advanced diagnostic tools, such as MHC-peptide tetramers, allow for the precise quantification and characterization of these T-cell populations to monitor treatment efficacy and disease progression [PMID: 22504744].

Other names

Mite allergen-specific T-cell receptorDer p-specific T-cell receptorDer f-specific T-cell receptorHouse dust mite-reactive T-cell receptorHDM-TCR

Induction of peripheral T-cell tolerance through anergy, clonal deletion, or the generation of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) that suppress Th2-mediated allergic inflammation.