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

House dust mite (HDM) allergen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) are specialized protein complexes found on the surface of CD4+ T lymphocytes that specifically recognize and bind to peptides derived from mite allergens, such as Der p 1 and Der p 2, when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules (Christiansen et al., 2015). This recognition event is the primary driver of the adaptive immune response in HDM-sensitive individuals, leading to the activation and expansion of Th2-polarized T cells (Wambre et al., 2012). These Th2 cells secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which promote IgE production and eosinophilic inflammation characteristic of allergic asthma and rhinitis (UniProt, 2024). Therapeutic strategies targeting these TCRs aim to modulate the immune system's sensitivity through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) or peptide-based vaccines, which seek to induce immune tolerance or 'desensitization' (O'Hehir et al., 2016). By altering the TCR signaling outcome, these treatments can shift the immune profile toward a regulatory or Th1-mediated response, thereby reducing clinical symptoms upon subsequent allergen exposure.

Other names

Mite-specific T-cell receptorDer p 1-specific TCRDer p 2-specific TCRDermatophagoides-specific TCRAllergen-specific TCRMite-peptide-MHC-specific TCR

Drugs targeting these receptors typically work through allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) to induce peripheral T-cell tolerance, anergy, or a shift from a pro-allergic Th2 response to a regulatory T-cell (Treg) or Th1 response (O'Hehir et al., 2016). This is achieved by repeated exposure to the specific mite-derived peptides presented on MHC class II, which desensitizes the TCR-mediated signaling pathway and reduces the inflammatory cascade (Wambre et al., 2012).