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

The Myelin proteolipid protein 178-191-specific T cell receptor is a specialized antigen receptor found on the surface of autoreactive T lymphocytes. It specifically recognizes the 178-191 amino acid sequence of the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) when presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, typically MHC class II (PubMed: 1371464). This interaction is a critical driver in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) (PubMed: 7516405). In these conditions, the activation of T cells bearing this TCR leads to an inflammatory cascade that destroys the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (PubMed: 10508231). Therapeutic strategies targeting this TCR aim to induce immune tolerance or specifically deplete the pathogenic T cell population without compromising the broader immune system. Experimental approaches include the use of soluble peptide-MHC complexes, altered peptide ligands, and antigen-specific tolerogenic vaccines like ATX-MS-1467 (PubMed: 25661175).

Other names

PLP(178-191)-specific T-cell receptorProteolipid protein 178-191-specific TCRMyelin proteolipid protein peptide 178-191-specific TCR

Induction of immune tolerance, Antigen-specific T cell suppression, Competitive inhibition of TCR-pMHC binding