T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-presented Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) epitopes (SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-specific TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for MHC-presented SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) epitopes are critical components of the adaptive immune system's response to COVID-19 (Grifoni et al., 2020, Cell). These receptors, typically composed of alpha and beta polypeptide chains, reside on the surface of T lymphocytes and are responsible for the highly specific recognition of viral peptide fragments presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on infected or antigen-presenting cells (Shomuradova et al., 2020, Immunity). Upon binding to their cognate RBD-derived epitopes, these TCRs initiate signaling cascades that lead to T-cell activation, proliferation, and the execution of effector functions such as the direct lysis of infected cells or the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Saini et al., 2021, Science Immunology). In the context of therapeutic development, these TCRs are being studied for use in adoptive T-cell therapies (TCR-T) and serve as the primary targets for vaccine-induced cellular immunity. Understanding the diversity and specificity of the RBD-specific TCR repertoire is essential for monitoring long-term immunity and designing next-generation vaccines that can withstand viral variants (Dan et al., 2021, Science). The interaction between these TCRs and their ligands is a cornerstone of protective immunity, though challenges such as viral escape through mutations in the RBD and potential cross-reactivity with human self-peptides remain significant areas of research.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific T-cell receptorAnti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD TCRSpike RBD-reactive TCRSARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-specific TCRT-cell receptor specific for MHC-presented SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD epitopes

Recognition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD peptides presented by MHC molecules, triggering T-cell mediated cytotoxicity or cytokine production to eliminate infected cells.