Human leukocyte antigen A*24:02 and T-cell receptor complex (HLA-A*24:02–TCR complex)

The HLA-A*24:02 and T-cell receptor complex represents a fundamental immunological recognition system composed of the HLA-A*24:02 molecule (a specific allele of the human major histocompatibility complex class I) and antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on cytotoxic CD8+ T cells[1][2][3][6]. HLA-A*24:02 presents short intracellular peptides—including self, viral, and tumor antigens—on the cell surface. TCRs scan these peptide–HLA complexes to distinguish self from non-self, leading to targeted immune responses. Disease associations include a well-established role in autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, where molecular mimicry can drive autoimmunity, as well as cancer and infection[2][3][4]. HLA-A*24:02–restricted TCRs are central to immunotherapy design, as their specificity underlies both efficacy and risk of off-target effects. The specificity, affinity, and cross-reactivity of this complex dictate immune outcomes, making HLA-A*24:02 and its associated TCRs clinically and therapeutically significant.

Other names

HLA-A*24:02–TCRHLA-A24 antigen and T-cell receptorHLA-A*24:02 restricted T-cell receptorHLA class I–restricted TCR (HLA-A*24:02 specific)

Antigen-specific recognition: TCRs specifically bind peptides presented by HLA-A*24:02; Cellular cytotoxicity: Engagement leads to cytotoxic T-cell activation and target cell lysis; Immune modulation: By presenting peptides, HLA-A*24:02 shapes T-cell repertoire and tolerance