Human T-cell receptor specific for ME-TRAP–derived peptide–HLA complex

Human T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for ME-TRAP–derived peptide–HLA complexes are specialized immune receptors that recognize malaria antigens presented on the surface of infected cells. These TCRs are expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes and are designed to bind specifically to peptides derived from the Multiple Epitope (ME) string and the Thrombospondin-Related Adhesion Protein (TRAP) of Plasmodium falciparum (UniProt P17082). The ME-TRAP construct is a prominent vaccine candidate, often delivered via viral vectors like ChAd63 and MVA, to elicit protective cellular immunity (Ewer et al., 2013, Nature Communications). When these TCRs engage their cognate peptide-HLA complex, they initiate a signaling cascade that activates the T-cell, leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and the direct lysis of malaria-infected hepatocytes (Hill, 2011, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B). This interaction is highly dependent on the host's HLA genotype, as the TCR must recognize the specific orientation of the peptide within the HLA groove (Ogwang et al., 2015, Nature Communications). Research into these TCRs is vital for optimizing vaccine-induced protection and exploring potential TCR-engineered cell therapies for infectious diseases (Kimani et al., 2014, Frontiers in Immunology). Monitoring the expansion of T-cells bearing these TCRs serves as a critical biomarker for vaccine immunogenicity in clinical trials.

Other names

ME-TRAP-specific T-cell receptorMalaria-specific T-cell receptorTRAP-specific T-cell receptorT-cell receptor specific for Plasmodium falciparum TRAP

Activation of antigen-specific T-cells through the recognition of ME-TRAP peptides presented by HLA molecules, leading to the destruction of malaria-infected hepatocytes.