Human T-cell receptor recognizing Hemagglutinin-derived peptides presented by MHC class II (HA-specific TCR (MHC II-restricted))

Human T-cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize hemagglutinin (HA)-derived peptides presented by MHC class II molecules are essential mediators of the adaptive immune response against the influenza virus. These receptors are primarily expressed on the surface of CD4+ T-helper cells and are characterized by their ability to bind specifically to viral epitopes, such as the immunodominant HA306-318 peptide, when displayed by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II proteins like HLA-DR1 (Hennecke & Wiley, 2002). This binding event triggers a signaling cascade that results in T-cell activation, proliferation, and the secretion of cytokines, which are necessary for coordinating B-cell antibody production and enhancing the overall immune response (Blevins et al., 2016). In clinical research, these TCRs are utilized as models for studying TCR-pMHC binding affinity and are being investigated for use in TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies to provide passive immunity or treat severe infections. The therapeutic application of these TCRs requires precise matching of the patient's HLA type and carries risks such as cytokine release syndrome or off-target reactivity due to molecular mimicry with self-antigens (Ting et al., 2010).

Other names

HA-specific T-cell receptorInfluenza HA-specific TCRHemagglutinin-specific TCRHA306-318-specific TCRHA1.7 TCR

Recognition of specific viral peptides presented by MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells, leading to the activation of CD4+ T-helper cells and subsequent immune orchestration.