MHC class II-restricted T cell receptor (MHCII-restricted TCR) (MHCII-restricted TCR)

MHC class II-restricted T cell receptors (TCRs) are heterodimeric surface proteins found on CD4+ T lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in the adaptive immune system by recognizing exogenous peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHCII) molecules (Janeway et al., 2001). In allergic individuals, these receptors are specifically activated by peptides derived from environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or food proteins, initiating a Th2-polarized immune response (Wambre et al., 2012). This activation leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the subsequent synthesis of allergen-specific IgE antibodies by B cells. Therapeutic strategies targeting these TCRs, such as allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) and peptide-based vaccines, aim to modulate the T cell response to induce long-term immune tolerance (Durham & Shamji, 2023). By promoting T cell anergy or the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), these treatments can effectively suppress the allergic cascade upon subsequent allergen exposure. Current research is also exploring the use of soluble TCRs and TCR-mimetic antibodies to specifically block the interaction between the TCR and the allergen-MHCII complex, offering a more targeted approach to treating severe allergies (Archila et al., 2014).

Other names

Allergen-specific T cell receptorCD4+ T cell receptorAntigen-specific TCRMHC class II-restricted TCR

Induction of immunological tolerance through T cell anergy, deletion of pathogenic Th2 cells, or the induction of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) that suppress the allergic cascade (Durham & Shamji, 2023).