T-cell receptor recognizing HIV-1 gp120-derived peptides in HLA class II (gp120-specific TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) on CD4+ T cells recognizing gp120-derived peptides in the context of HLA class II is a critical component of the adaptive immune response against HIV-1 (Ranasinghe et al., 2013, Journal of Virology). This receptor complex identifies specific fragments of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 that are processed and presented by MHC class II molecules on professional antigen-presenting cells (Brenchley et al., 2002, Journal of Experimental Medicine). Upon binding, the TCR initiates signaling pathways that activate CD4+ helper T cells, which are essential for stimulating B-cell antibody production and modulating the activity of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (UniProt Consortium, 2023). In HIV-1 infection, these TCR-bearing cells are often the primary targets for viral entry and subsequent depletion, leading to progressive immunodeficiency (NIH/NIAID, 2024). Therapeutic efforts focus on enhancing the frequency and breadth of these TCRs through vaccination or adoptive T-cell therapies to achieve better viral control. However, the high mutational plasticity of the gp120 protein poses a significant challenge, as the virus can rapidly evolve to escape TCR recognition (PubMed, PMID: 23864621).

Other names

HIV-1 gp120-specific T-cell receptorCD4+ T-cell receptor for gp120gp120-reactive TCRHIV-1 envelope-specific CD4+ TCR

Recognition of gp120 peptide-HLA class II complexes on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that lead to T-cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and orchestration of the adaptive immune response.