T-cell receptor recognizing Fel d 1–derived epitopes (TCR-Fel d 1)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing Fel d 1–derived epitopes is a primary mediator of the allergic immune response to cats. Fel d 1 is a secretoglobin and the dominant allergen in feline dander, recognized by over 90% of cat-allergic individuals (Grönlund et al., 2010). These TCRs, typically found on CD4+ T-helper cells, recognize specific Fel d 1 peptide fragments presented by MHC class II molecules (Archila et al., 2015). This interaction initiates a Th2-biased inflammatory cascade, characterized by the secretion of cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which drive IgE production and allergic symptoms (Larche, 2007). Therapeutic interventions, such as peptide-based immuno-therapeutics (e.g., Cat-PAD), target these TCRs by providing short, non-IgE-binding epitopes to induce T-cell anergy or promote regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation (Patel et al., 2013). Successful modulation of these TCR-mediated pathways leads to long-term desensitization and reduced clinical reactivity to cat allergens (Worm et al., 2011).

Other names

Fel d 1-specific T-cell receptorCat allergen-specific T-cell receptorT-cell receptor recognizing Felis domesticus allergen 1

Induction of immunological tolerance through T-cell anergy, deletion, or the promotion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) following repeated exposure to specific Fel d 1 epitopes (Larche, 2007; Patel et al., 2013).