T cell receptor (TCR) specific for SARS-CoV-2 peptide-MHC complex (SARS-CoV-2 TCR)

The T cell receptor (TCR) specific for SARS-CoV-2 peptide-MHC complexes is a fundamental component of the adaptive immune system's response to COVID-19. These receptors, located on the surface of T cells, are responsible for identifying specific viral peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on infected or antigen-presenting cells (Grifoni et al., 2020, Cell). In therapeutic applications, such as the NEXI-003 program, artificial Antigen Presenting Cells (aAPCs) are engineered to present these viral peptides to T cells, thereby stimulating the expansion of a robust and diverse population of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells (NexImmune, 2021). This approach aims to provide a more comprehensive immune response than traditional vaccines by targeting multiple viral epitopes and fostering long-lived cellular immunity (Saini et al., 2021, Science Immunology). The interaction between the TCR and the aAPC-presented peptide-MHC complex is the primary mechanism for this targeted immunotherapy. However, a significant challenge in targeting these TCRs is ensuring high specificity to avoid cross-reactivity with human self-antigens, which could trigger autoimmune responses (Oelke & Schneck, 2010, Adv Exp Med Biol).

Other names

SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell receptorCOVID-19 TCRTCR recognizing SARS-CoV-2 peptide-MHCT cell receptor recognizing SARS-CoV-2 peptide–MHC class I/II on aAPC

Agonism of the T cell receptor via peptide-MHC complexes and costimulatory signals to induce the polyclonal expansion of antigen-specific T cells.