T-cell receptor beta constant region 1 (TRBC1)

The T-cell receptor beta constant region 1 (TRBC1) is one of two highly homologous constant regions (TRBC1 and TRBC2) encoded within the TCR beta chain locus. The TCR is a membrane-bound heterodimeric receptor found on T-cell surfaces, essential for recognizing peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The constant region (C-region), though not directly involved in antigen recognition, provides structural stability and mediates key interactions with other molecules in the TCR signaling complex. Each T cell expresses a TCR containing either TRBC1 or TRBC2, but not both. TRBC1 has become a diagnostic and therapeutic target due to the development of monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind this region. This specificity enables detection and quantification of clonal T-cell populations in malignancies (e.g., T-cell lymphoma/leukemia), facilitates minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring, and represents an avenue for targeted immunotherapy, such as CAR-T cell designs that aim to eradicate malignant TRBC1+ T cells while preserving normal immune function[3][4][5][7].

Other names

TRBC1TCR beta constant region 1T-cell receptor β chain constant region 1TCRβ constant region 1

Monoclonal antibodies bind specifically to TRBC1 to identify or deplete clonal T-cell populations\nCAR-T cell therapies target TRBC1-expressing malignant T cells, sparing TRBC2-expressing normal T cells