T cell receptor recognizing proteoglycan aggrecan epitope PG70 (TCR-PG70)

The T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing the PG70 epitope is a critical component of the autoimmune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Vaccine, 2017, 35(32):4048-4056). PG70 is an immunodominant peptide derived from the G1 domain of human cartilage proteoglycan (aggrecan), a major structural component of joint tissue (Frontiers in Immunology, 2024, 15:1360444). In patients with RA, CD4+ T cells expressing this specific TCR recognize the PG70 peptide presented by MHC Class II molecules, triggering a pro-inflammatory cascade dominated by Th1 and Th17 cytokines (Vaccines (Basel), 2021, 9(5):448). This response leads to chronic synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Therapeutic interventions like CEL-4000 (DerG-PG70) utilize the LEAPS (Ligand Epitope Antigen Presentation System) technology to target these autoreactive T cells (Frontiers in Immunology, 2024, 15:1360444). By presenting the PG70 epitope in conjunction with a T-cell binding ligand (DerG), these therapies aim to reprogram the T cell response from a pathogenic to a regulatory (Th2/Treg) state. This antigen-specific approach aims to restore immune tolerance and halt disease progression without the systemic side effects of broad immunosuppressants (Vaccine, 2017, 35(32):4048-4056).

Other names

TCR recognizing aggrecan peptide 70TCR recognizing PG70CD4+ T cell receptor for PG70 epitopeT cell receptor for proteoglycan aggrecan residues 70-84

Antigen-specific immunomodulation through the Ligand Epitope Antigen Presentation System (LEAPS), which redirects pathogenic Th1/Th17 responses toward protective Th2/Treg responses by engaging the TCR and CD4 coreceptor simultaneously.