T-cell receptor recognizing HIV-1 Gag 267-274 peptide (HIV Gag 267-274 TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing the HIV-1 Gag 267-274 peptide is a specialized immune receptor engineered for use in adoptive cell therapies against HIV-1 infection. This TCR specifically targets the GLNKIVRM epitope (GL9), a highly conserved segment of the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein, when presented by the HLA-A*02:01 MHC class I molecule (Varela-Rohena et al., 2008, Nature Medicine). Upon binding to the peptide-MHC complex, the TCR triggers a signaling cascade that activates cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to destroy infected cells. This mechanism is a primary focus of "shock and kill" strategies aimed at eradicating the latent HIV reservoir (Kitchen et al., 2012, Science Translational Medicine). Therapeutic applications involve transducing a patient's own T cells with the genes for this specific TCR to enhance their natural antiviral activity. However, the effectiveness of this target can be limited by the emergence of viral escape mutations within the Gag epitope (Geldmacher et al., 2007, Journal of Virology). Additionally, clinical use requires precise HLA matching, as the TCR is restricted to individuals carrying the HLA-A*02:01 allele. Safety considerations include potential off-target cross-reactivity with self-antigens and the risk of cytokine release syndrome following T-cell activation.

Other names

Gag 267-274 TCRGL9-specific TCRHIV-1 Gag-specific T-cell receptorHLA-A*02:01-restricted Gag 267-274 TCRGL9 TCR

Specific binding to the MHC-I/peptide complex (HLA-A*02:01/Gag 267-274) leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation and lysis of HIV-infected cells.