T-cell receptor recognizing Ulmus americana-derived peptides (TCR-Ulmus)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize peptides derived from Ulmus americana (American Elm) pollen, such as the major allergen Ulm a 1, are central to the pathogenesis of elm-induced allergic rhinitis and asthma (Source: WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature). These receptors are expressed on the surface of CD4+ T-helper cells and specifically bind to elm peptides when they are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules, typically HLA-DR, on the surface of professional antigen-presenting cells (Source: Janeway's Immunobiology). This recognition event initiates a Th2-biased immune response, leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which drive B-cell class switching to IgE and the recruitment of eosinophils (Source: PubMed, PMID: 25617733). In clinical practice, these TCRs are the functional targets of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), where controlled exposure to Ulmus americana extracts aims to shift the immune response toward tolerance (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology). Therapeutic success is often marked by the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and a reduction in allergen-specific Th2 cell activity. Monitoring these TCR-mediated responses is crucial for evaluating the efficacy of desensitization treatments in allergic patients.

Other names

American elm-specific T-cell receptorUlm a 1-specific T-cell receptorUlmus americana-specific TCRT-cell receptor recognizing American Elm pollen peptides

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by modulating the T-cell response to elm peptides, promoting the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and inducing anergy or deletion in allergen-specific Th2 cells (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology).