T-cell receptor on Apolipoprotein B-100-specific CD4+ T cells (apoB-specific TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) on Apolipoprotein B-100-specific CD4+ T cells is a specialized immune receptor that recognizes peptide fragments of Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100), the primary protein component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) [1]. These TCRs interact with apoB peptides, such as the p210 epitope, when they are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHC-II) molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells within the arterial wall [2]. In atherosclerosis, the activation of these TCRs typically leads to a pro-inflammatory Th1 response, which drives the progression of plaque formation and instability [3]. However, these cells also have the potential to differentiate into regulatory T cells (Tregs) that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-beta, offering a protective effect against vascular disease [4]. Therapeutic targeting of these TCRs focuses on "atheroprotective immunization" or tolerogenic vaccines designed to shift the immune response from a pathogenic Th1 profile to a protective Treg profile [5]. This approach aims to provide a highly specific treatment for cardiovascular disease by modulating the underlying autoimmune-like response to modified LDL particles [6]. [1] Hansson GK, et al. Nat Immunol. 2011; [2] Ley K, et al. Circ Res. 2017; [3] Wolf D, et al. Circ Res. 2019; [4] Kimura T, et al. JCI. 2018; [5] Saigusa R, et al. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2020; [6] Ketelhuth DF, et al. Circ Res. 2016.

Other names

oxLDL-specific T-cell receptorApolipoprotein B-specific TCRLDL-reactive T-cell receptorapoB-100-specific CD4+ T-cell receptorAtherosclerosis-associated T-cell receptor

Induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance and expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to suppress vascular inflammation.