Myelin proteolipid protein 178-191 epitope-specific T cell receptor (PLP178-191-specific TCR)

The Myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) 178-191 epitope-specific T cell receptor (TCR) is a specialized immune receptor found on CD4+ T cells that plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune demyelinating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In animal models such as Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), this TCR recognizes the PLP 178-191 peptide fragment presented by MHC class II molecules, triggering an inflammatory cascade characterized by Th1 and Th17 cell activation. While often a subdominant epitope initially, PLP 178-191 frequently becomes a primary target during disease progression through a process called epitope spreading, where the immune response expands to new myelin determinants following initial tissue damage. Therapeutically, this TCR is a target for antigen-specific immunotherapies aimed at restoring immune tolerance without causing global immunosuppression. Experimental treatments include the use of soluble PLP 178-191 peptides, peptide-coupled nanoparticles (such as PLG), or antigen-coupled apoptotic cells designed to induce T cell anergy or promote the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). These approaches seek to silence the autoreactive T cell population specifically, thereby preventing relapses and halting the progression of neurodegeneration. However, challenges remain regarding the risk of peptide-induced hypersensitivity and the complexity of targeting multiple epitopes in a heterogeneous disease like MS.

Other names

PLP 178-191 TCRProteolipid protein 178-191 specific T-cell receptorPLP178-191-reactive CD4+ T cell receptor

Antigen-specific tolerance induction, induction of T cell anergy, deletion of autoreactive T cells, and generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs).