T-cell receptor recognizing Poa compressa-derived peptide–MHC complexes (TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing Poa compressa-derived peptide–MHC complexes is a membrane-bound protein complex on CD4+ T cells that plays a pivotal role in the allergic response to Canada bluegrass pollen [1]. This TCR specifically identifies allergenic peptides, such as those from the major allergens Poa c 1 and Poa c 5, when they are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells [1, 2]. The binding of the TCR to these complexes initiates a signaling cascade that drives the differentiation and activation of Th2 cells [3]. These cells then secrete cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which stimulate B cells to produce allergen-specific IgE, ultimately leading to the mast cell degranulation and eosinophilic inflammation seen in allergic rhinitis and asthma [3, 4]. In a therapeutic context, this TCR-peptide-MHC interaction is the primary target of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) [4]. AIT involves the controlled, repeated administration of grass pollen extracts to modify the immune system's response to the allergen [4, 5]. By targeting the TCR signaling pathway under specific conditions, AIT induces peripheral T-cell tolerance, characterized by the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and a shift from a Th2-dominated response to a Th1 or Treg-dominated one [4, 5]. This modulation results in long-term clinical desensitization and a reduction in the inflammatory symptoms associated with grass pollen exposure [5]. Citations: [1] WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Database (allergen.org); [2] UniProt Consortium, "T-cell receptor"; [3] Janeway's Immunobiology, 9th Edition; [4] Akdis, C. A., & Akdis, M. (2014), "Mechanisms of allergen-specific immunotherapy," J Allergy Clin Immunol; [5] Durham, S. R., & Shamji, M. H. (2023), "Allergen immunotherapy: past, present and future," Nature Reviews Immunology.

Other names

Canada bluegrass allergen-specific T-cell receptorPoa c-specific T-cell receptorT-cell receptor recognizing Canada bluegrass allergensPoa compressa-specific TCR

Induction of immune tolerance through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), leading to Th2 cell desensitization and regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion.