T-cell receptor specific for cashew or shrimp allergen peptides (TCR (cashew/shrimp))

CD4+ T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for cashew- or shrimp-derived peptides are the primary mediators of adaptive immune recognition in food allergies. These receptors, expressed on the surface of helper T cells, recognize specific epitopes from allergens such as Ana o 3 (cashew) or Pen a 1 (shrimp tropomyosin) when presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells (Archila et al., 2016, PMID: 26826306; Pascal et al., 2015, PMID: 25581335). In allergic individuals, this interaction triggers the activation of Th2-polarized cells, which secrete cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13 that drive B-cell IgE production and subsequent mast cell sensitization (Wambre et al., 2017, PMID: 28768812). Therapeutic strategies targeting these TCRs include oral immunotherapy (OIT) and peptide-based vaccines, which aim to shift the immune profile from a pathogenic Th2 response to a tolerant state dominated by regulatory T cells (Tregs). Monoclonal antibodies like Omalizumab are increasingly used as adjuncts to these therapies to increase the safety threshold by neutralizing IgE while the TCR-mediated desensitization occurs (NIH/NIAID, 2024).

Other names

Cashew-specific T-cell receptorShrimp-specific T-cell receptorAllergen-specific CD4+ T-cell receptorMHC class II-restricted T-cell receptorAntigen-specific TCR

Induction of immune tolerance through T-cell anergy, clonal deletion, or the differentiation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) to suppress Th2-mediated allergic responses.