Native T-cell receptor (TCR)

The **T-cell receptor (TCR)** is a protein complex expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes that allows cells to recognize peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC, referred to as HLA in humans) molecules. In cancer, TCRs on cytotoxic T cells (primarily CD8+) specifically bind short peptide antigens derived from tumor-associated proteins or neoantigens displayed on HLA class I molecules on cancer cells. This recognition triggers the killing of the target cell through cytotoxic mechanisms. Native TCR-based recognition forms the mechanistic basis for: - Anti-tumor immunity - Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy - Engineered TCR-T cell therapies However, the specific outcomes, safety profile, and clinical relevance depend on the precise antigen targeted, HLA restriction, and TCR affinity. Many current immunotherapies seek to exploit or enhance the ability of native TCRs to recognize and kill tumor cells. The effectiveness and safety profile depends on the specificity of the TCR for true tumor-unique antigens over shared self-antigens. If you seek structured information for a **specific tumor-associated antigen** (e.g., Melan A, cdr2), you should refine your query to the antigen’s name; otherwise, the above information reflects the pathway/mechanism rather than a single discrete molecular target.

Other names

T-cell receptorTCRαβTCR (alpha-beta T-cell receptor)

Recognition of peptide antigens presented by HLA molecules (MHC class I or II) on tumor cells by TCR, leading to: - Activation of cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells - Induction of tumor cell death