T cell receptor recognizing Acarus siro allergen-derived peptides presented on MHC class II (TCR-Acarus siro-MHCII)

The T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing Acarus siro allergen-derived peptides presented on MHC class II is a pivotal molecular complex in the development of storage mite allergy (Armentia et al., 1997). Acarus siro, commonly known as the flour mite, produces several potent allergens, such as Aca s 13 and Aca s 1, which are processed by antigen-presenting cells and displayed on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules (WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature). CD4+ T cells expressing specific TCRs recognize these peptide-MHC complexes, triggering an inflammatory cascade characterized by Th2 cytokine production, including IL-4 and IL-13, and subsequent IgE production (Janeway et al., 2001). This interaction is the primary driver of clinical symptoms in sensitized individuals, including occupational asthma and allergic rhinitis (Fernández-Caldas et al., 2007). Therapeutically, this TCR-peptide-MHC interaction is targeted through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce peripheral tolerance. By repeatedly exposing the immune system to controlled doses of Acarus siro allergens, AIT promotes the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and reduces the reactivity of allergen-specific effector T cells (Akdis & Akdis, 2014). This target is also relevant in diagnostic settings, where MHC-peptide tetramers can be used to quantify allergen-specific T cell populations. Understanding the TCR repertoire for Acarus siro is essential for developing personalized immunotherapy and identifying high-risk individuals in occupational settings.

Other names

Acarus siro-specific T cell receptorFlour mite allergen-specific TCRStorage mite-specific T cell receptorTCR-Aca s-MHC II complex

Induction of immune tolerance and Th2-to-Th1/Treg immune deviation via allergen-specific immunotherapy.