T-cell receptor recognizing influenza-derived peptides presented by MHC (TCR-Flu-MHC) (TCR-Flu-MHC)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing influenza-derived peptides presented by MHC are critical components of the adaptive immune system's response to influenza virus infection (1.3.1). These receptors, primarily found on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, specifically bind to viral peptide fragments (epitopes) such as the highly conserved M1(58-66) peptide (GILGFVFTL) when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules like HLA-A*02:01 (1.4.1, 1.4.2). Upon recognition, the TCR triggers T-cell activation, leading to the destruction of infected respiratory epithelial cells and the secretion of antiviral cytokines like interferon-gamma (1.3.2, 1.3.4). In therapeutic contexts, these TCRs are targeted for the development of universal influenza vaccines, such as FLU-v and Multimeric-001, which aim to provide broad, cross-strain protection by leveraging the recognition of conserved internal viral proteins (1.2.2, 1.2.3). Additionally, these TCRs are utilized in adoptive cell therapies (TCR-T), where T cells are engineered to express high-affinity receptors for viral antigens to treat severe infections (1.1.1). Therapeutic challenges include potential off-target cross-reactivity with self-peptides and the risk of cytokine release syndrome in engineered T-cell applications (1.1.2, 1.1.3).

Other names

Influenza-specific T-cell receptorFlu-specific TCRIAV-specific TCRHLA-restricted influenza TCRM1-specific T-cell receptorHLA-A*02:01-restricted M1(58-66) TCR

Recognition of viral peptides presented by MHC molecules leading to T-cell activation, secretion of antiviral cytokines, and direct lysis of infected cells.