T-cell receptor recognizing Tetanus Toxin P30–MHC II complex (TCR-P30-MHCII)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizing the P30–MHC II complex is a specialized receptor found on CD4+ T-helper cells that specifically binds to the P30 peptide derived from Tetanus Toxin (residues 947–967) when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC II) molecules. The P30 peptide is widely recognized as a universal or promiscuous T-helper epitope due to its ability to bind to a broad range of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, particularly HLA-DR, making it a critical tool for monitoring immune responses. In therapeutic applications, these TCRs are primarily engaged through vaccines that incorporate the P30 sequence to provide linked T-cell help, which enhances the activation of B cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells against other target antigens, such as those found on tumor cells. By triggering the secretion of essential cytokines like interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, the P30-specific TCR plays a central role in coordinating a robust and sustained adaptive immune response. This interaction is also extensively used as a benchmark in high-throughput platforms for mapping TCR-peptide-MHC specificities and developing novel immunotherapies.

Other names

Tetanus toxin P30-specific T-cell receptorttP30-specific TCRCD4+ T-cell receptor recognizing P30P30-MHC II TCR

Activation of CD4+ T-helper cells via recognition of the P30 peptide presented on MHC Class II molecules, leading to cytokine production and immune coordination.