T-cell receptor recognizing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis-derived peptides

T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis-derived peptides are specialized heterodimeric surface proteins found on CD4+ T lymphocytes. These receptors specifically bind to antigenic peptides derived from Clostridium tetani toxoid, Corynebacterium diphtheriae toxoid, and Bordetella pertussis components when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells (PubMed, PMID: 28416512). This interaction is the fundamental step in the adaptive immune response triggered by Tdap vaccination, leading to the activation of helper T cells, B-cell maturation, and the production of high-affinity neutralizing antibodies (CDC, 2020). In clinical practice, these TCRs are the primary targets of Tdap vaccines, which aim to establish long-term immunological memory to prevent severe bacterial infections (StatPearls, 2023). Monitoring the frequency and diversity of these TCR clones serves as a critical biomarker for vaccine efficacy and the duration of protective immunity (PubMed, PMID: 31209223). These receptors are essential for the orchestration of both cellular and humoral immunity against these life-threatening toxins.

Other names

Tdap-reactive T-cell receptorTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis specific TCRMHC class II-restricted Tdap-specific TCRAntigen-specific T-cell receptorT-cell receptors recognizing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis-derived peptides presented by MHC class II on antigen-presenting cells

Antigen-specific activation of CD4+ T cells via MHC class II-mediated peptide presentation, leading to immunological memory and B-cell help.