T-cell receptor recognizing MHC II-presented grass pollen peptide (TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing MHC II-presented grass pollen peptides are specialized protein complexes on CD4+ T cells that mediate the recognition of environmental allergens, such as Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 from Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) (Larche et al., 2006, J Allergy Clin Immunol). These receptors bind to specific peptide fragments presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC II) molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, a process central to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma (Wambre et al., 2012, Sci Transl Med). In allergic individuals, this interaction typically promotes a Th2-polarized immune response characterized by the secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which drives IgE production and eosinophilic inflammation (Jutel et al., 2015, Allergy). Therapeutic interventions like allergen immunotherapy (AIT) target these TCR-mediated pathways to redirect the immune response toward tolerance by inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IgG4-producing B cells (Akdis & Akdis, 2014, Nat Rev Drug Discov). Understanding the specificity of these TCRs is crucial for developing next-generation peptide-based vaccines and monitoring patient responses to treatment using MHC II tetramers (Wambre et al., 2014, J Allergy Clin Immunol).

Other names

Allergen-specific T-cell receptorGrass pollen-specific TCRMHC II-restricted TCRTimothy grass pollen TCRAllergen-specific CD4+ T-cell receptor

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) modulates the T-cell response by inducing peripheral T-cell tolerance, characterized by the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that secrete IL-10 and TGF-beta, and a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine profile (Akdis & Akdis, 2014, Nat Rev Drug Discov). This process reduces the activation of allergen-specific TCRs during natural exposure, thereby suppressing allergic inflammation.