T-cell receptor on collagen II-specific CD4+ T cells (CII-specific TCR) (CII-specific TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) on collagen II-specific CD4+ T cells is a specialized protein complex that plays a central role in the autoimmune pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These TCRs are characterized by their ability to recognize arthritogenic peptides derived from type II collagen (CII), the primary structural protein of articular cartilage, particularly the CII(263-272) epitope presented by HLA-DRB1*04:01 (PMID: 11069067). Activation of these T cells leads to their infiltration into the synovium, where they drive chronic inflammation and joint destruction through the recruitment of macrophages and the activation of B cells to produce anti-CII antibodies (PMID: 25601918). Because these T cells are highly specific to the disease site, their TCRs represent a high-value target for antigen-specific immunotherapies designed to induce immune tolerance without causing systemic immunosuppression (PMID: 30105240). Current therapeutic efforts include the development of peptide vaccines, soluble MHC-peptide complexes, and TCR-like antibodies that aim to either delete these autoreactive cells or convert them into regulatory T cells (PMID: 22460730).

Other names

Collagen type II-specific T-cell receptorCII-TCRTCR specific for CII(263-272)Type II collagen-reactive T-cell receptor

Antigen-specific immune modulation designed to induce peripheral tolerance, T-cell anergy, or the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to suppress the autoimmune attack on joint cartilage (PMID: 30105240).