T-cell receptor recognizing Hepatitis B surface antigen-derived peptide–MHC class I complexes (HBsAg-specific TCR) (HBsAg-specific TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing HBsAg-derived peptide–MHC class I complexes is a specialized immune receptor used in adoptive cell therapy to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Tan et al., 2021, Journal of Hepatology). These TCRs are typically engineered into a patient's T cells (TCR-T therapy) to enable the precise recognition of viral antigens presented on the surface of infected hepatocytes or tumor cells (SCG Cell Therapy, 2023). Specifically, they target peptides derived from the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the context of specific Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) alleles, most commonly HLA-A*02:01 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05417932). Upon binding to the HBsAg-peptide-MHC complex, the TCR triggers T-cell activation, leading to the release of cytotoxic granules and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma, which results in the elimination of the target cells (Lion TCR, 2022). This approach aims to restore the exhausted HBV-specific immune response in chronic patients and has shown potential in reducing HBsAg levels and targeting HBV-integrated tumor cells in clinical trials (Gehring & Protzer, 2019, Journal of Hepatology). Therapeutic candidates like SCG-101 are currently being evaluated in clinical trials to assess their ability to reduce viral load and treat HBV-associated malignancies.

Other names

HBV-specific T-cell receptorHBsAg-specific T-cell receptorHBsAg-peptide-MHC-specific TCRAnti-HBsAg TCR

Engineered T-cells expressing the TCR bind to HBsAg peptides presented by MHC Class I molecules on infected or malignant cells, triggering cytotoxic cell death and viral clearance.