T-cell receptor recognizing Livin peptide-MHC class I complex

A T-cell receptor recognizing the Livin peptide-MHC class I complex is a specific immune receptor expressed on the surface of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells) that identifies and binds to the complex formed by the presentation of a peptide derived from the Livin protein by a major histocompatibility complex class I molecule (often a specific HLA type) on the surface of cells[1][5][7]. This recognition is central to the immune surveillance of tumor cells, as Livin is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, making such complexes highly relevant targets in cancer immunotherapy. Engineered TCRs or T cells expressing such TCRs can be used to target cancer cells for lysis[1][5]. Recognition occurs via the TCR’s variable domain, which interacts with both the presented peptide (from Livin) and the surrounding polymorphic MHC residues, a process known as MHC restriction[5][7][3]. Triggering of the TCR after binding leads to a cascade of intracellular signaling events, T cell activation, cytokine release, and ultimately, target cell death. Therapeutic targeting of such complexes can pose risks including cross-reactivity and autoimmunity if similar peptides are found on healthy cells[1].\n\nNote: This entry refers to a specific T-cell receptor determined by its antigen specificity (Livin-derived peptide in the context of MHC class I) rather than a single gene product; this is common practice in immuno-oncology for TCR-based therapy design[1][5].

Other names

TCR recognizing Livin peptide-MHC I complexLivin-specific T-cell receptorTCR specific for Livin-HLA complex

Recognition of the Livin-derived peptide in the context of MHC class I on target (usually cancer) cell surface leads to CD8+ T-cell activation and killing of the target cell[1][5][6].