T-cell receptor recognizing Aspergillus fumigatus peptide–MHC class II complex (Af-specific TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing Aspergillus fumigatus peptide–MHC class II complexes are specialized immune receptors that play a pivotal role in the recognition and clearance of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus (Bacher et al., 2014, PubMed: 25255142). These receptors, primarily found on CD4+ T cells, specifically bind to immunodominant fungal antigens such as Crf1, Gel1, and Shm1 when they are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (Tramsen et al., 2009, PubMed: 19124355). This binding event initiates a signaling cascade that leads to T-cell activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which are critical for activating phagocytes to eliminate fungal hyphae (Stuehler et al., 2015, PubMed: 25533486). In the clinical landscape, these TCRs are being investigated as therapeutic targets for adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) to restore fungal-specific immunity in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Jolink et al., 2013, PubMed: 23836561). By utilizing T cells with high-affinity TCRs for Aspergillus, clinicians aim to provide a targeted cellular treatment for invasive aspergillosis, which remains a leading cause of mortality in transplant recipients.

Other names

Aspergillus-specific T-cell receptorAf-TCRAspergillus fumigatus-specific TCRCD4+ T-cell receptor for Aspergillus antigens

Recognition of Aspergillus-derived peptides presented by MHC class II molecules, leading to CD4+ T-cell activation, secretion of Th1 cytokines (e.g., IFN-gamma), and enhancement of antifungal effector functions in phagocytes.