Major histocompatibility complex class I–peptide complex and T-cell receptor (MHC-I–peptide/TCR complex)

The Major histocompatibility complex class I–peptide complex and T-cell receptor is a central immune recognition module. The MHC class I protein presents short intracellular peptide fragments (typically 8–10 amino acids) at the cell surface. The T-cell receptor on cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognizes the specific peptide–MHC complex, an interaction essential for immune surveillance and targeted cell killing. Binding of TCR to the peptide–MHC complex triggers intracellular signaling via the CD3 complex, leading to T cell activation, cytotoxic granule release, and elimination of infected or malignant cells. This axis is targeted by cancer immunotherapies, engineered cell therapeutics, and is central to viral immunity, transplant biology, and autoimmunity[1][2][3][5][6][7].

Other names

MHC class I–peptide complex and T-cell receptorMHC-I–TCR complexpMHC-I–TCR complexPeptide–MHC class I–TCR complexTCR-pMHC complex

Peptide-MHC–TCR binding triggers T-cell receptor activation, leading to T cell-mediated immune response. Drugs may block or modulate the TCR–pMHC interaction or enhance T cell recognition of tumor or viral peptides