T-cell receptor recognizing SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides presented on MHC (SARS-CoV-2 spike TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides presented on MHC are specialized heterodimeric surface proteins that play a pivotal role in the adaptive immune response to COVID-19 [PubMed: 33202252]. These receptors specifically bind to short peptide fragments derived from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, such as the immunodominant YLQPRTFLL epitope, when they are displayed by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on infected cells [PubMed: 32839611]. This binding event triggers the activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells or CD4+ helper T cells, leading to the secretion of effector cytokines like interferon-gamma and the direct elimination of virally infected cells [PubMed: 34127658]. In the therapeutic landscape, these TCRs are being isolated and engineered into T cells for adoptive TCR-T cell therapies, aimed at providing robust immunity to patients with severe disease or those who are immunocompromised [PubMed: 33055331]. Furthermore, monitoring the repertoire of these specific TCRs serves as a critical biomarker for assessing vaccine efficacy and the durability of natural immunity against emerging viral variants [PubMed: 33202252]. A significant challenge in targeting these receptors involves the high degree of HLA polymorphism, which requires therapies to be matched to the patient's specific MHC alleles to ensure effective recognition [PubMed: 32839611].

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 spike-reactive T-cell receptorAnti-SARS-CoV-2 spike TCRSpike-specific T-cell receptorSARS-CoV-2 TCR

Recognition of specific SARS-CoV-2 spike protein epitopes presented by MHC molecules, triggering T-cell activation, cytokine production, and targeted lysis of infected cells.