T-cell receptor recognizing carcinoembryonic antigen peptide-major histocompatibility complex

A T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) peptide presented by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule is a heterodimeric immune cell surface receptor expressed on T lymphocytes. This receptor binds specifically to a complex formed by a short peptide derived from the CEA protein, a tumor-associated antigen highly expressed in colorectal and other carcinomas, presented on the cell surface by MHC molecules of antigen presenting cells or tumor cells[2][4]. Upon recognition of the CEA peptide–MHC complex, the TCR initiates a signal transduction cascade via the CD3 complex, leading to T-cell activation, proliferation, and effector function (e.g., cytotoxicity against cancer cells)[4][6]. This interaction is the key driver in various immunotherapeutic approaches such as engineered TCR-T cell therapies and peptide-based tumor vaccines targeting CEA-expressing tumors. The molecule plays a central role in adaptive immune responses against cancer and contributes to immunological surveillance as well as therapeutic interventions[5][6][4].

Other names

T-cell receptor recognizing CEA peptide/MHC complexTCR specific for CEA peptide-MHC complexCEA peptide-specific TCRTCR recognizing carcinoembryonic antigen-MHC complex

Recognition of tumor antigen peptide (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA) presented by MHC on tumor cells, leading to T-cell activation and immune-mediated cytotoxicity[4] Activation through signal transduction mediated by TCR/CD3 complex upon antigen recognition[2][6] Therapeutic genetic modification of T cells to express high-affinity TCRs specific for CEA/MHC complexes (TCR-engineered cell therapy)