T-cell receptor recognizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 and CFP-10 antigens (TCR-ESAT-6/CFP-10)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens ESAT-6 (Early Secretory Antigenic Target-6) and CFP-10 (Culture Filtrate Protein-10) are pivotal for the host's adaptive immune defense against tuberculosis (PMID: 10692376). These antigens are secreted via the Mtb ESX-1 secretion system and are highly immunodominant, frequently eliciting strong CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses (PMID: 11160666). Because the genes encoding ESAT-6 and CFP-10 are located in the RD1 region—which is deleted in the BCG vaccine strain and most non-tuberculous mycobacteria—these TCRs are the primary targets for diagnostic Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) like QuantiFERON-TB (PMID: 21533171). Beyond diagnostics, these TCRs are being investigated for use in TCR-engineered T-cell therapies (TCR-T) to bolster the immune system's ability to eliminate Mtb-infected cells (PMID: 33619386). Upon binding to peptide-MHC complexes, these receptors trigger the release of critical cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, which activate macrophages to control the infection (PMID: 15115815). These TCRs are also the primary targets for several next-generation subunit vaccines currently in clinical development.

Other names

ESAT-6/CFP-10 specific T-cell receptorMtb-specific T-cell receptorEarly Secretory Antigenic Target-6/Culture Filtrate Protein-10 specific TCR

Recognition of ESAT-6 or CFP-10 peptide fragments presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, triggering T-cell signaling via the CD3 complex to induce proliferation and effector cytokine release (PMID: 15115815).