T-cell receptor recognizing Heat shock protein 70 B29 peptide (TCR-HSP70-B29)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing the Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) B29 peptide presented on MHC class II is a specialized antigen receptor involved in the regulation of autoimmune inflammation (Wieten et al., 2010, PubMed: 20143304). The B29 peptide (sequence VLRIVNEPTAAALAYGLDK) is a highly conserved epitope derived from mycobacterial HSP70 that shares significant homology with mammalian HSP70 (Van Eden et al., 2012, Nature Reviews Rheumatology). Recognition of this peptide-MHC complex by CD4+ T cells typically induces a regulatory phenotype (Tregs) characterized by the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. Because mammalian HSP70 is strongly upregulated in the synovial fluid and tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, these B29-specific T cells can cross-react with self-antigens at the site of disease. This interaction facilitates bystander suppression, where the localized activation of Tregs dampens the activity of nearby pathogenic effector T cells. Therapeutic strategies targeting this TCR involve using the B29 peptide as a tolerogenic vaccine to expand the regulatory T cell population and restore immune homeostasis in chronic inflammatory conditions (Prakken et al., 2003, PubMed: 12847240).

Other names

B29-specific T-cell receptorTCR recognizing mycobacterial HSP70(391-410)HSP70-B29-specific TCRT-cell receptor recognizing VLRIVNEPTAAALAYGLDK peptide

Activation of antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) that recognize conserved heat shock protein epitopes, leading to the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and bystander suppression of autoimmune inflammation.