T-cell receptor specific for Cytomegalovirus pp65 peptide presented on Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II) (CMV pp65-specific MHC II-restricted TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65-derived peptide presented on MHC class II is a specialized immune receptor used in adoptive cell therapies to combat CMV infections (PubMed: 15905190). CMV pp65 (UL83) is a major internal matrix protein and a primary target for the host immune response (UniProt: P06725). While many therapies focus on MHC class I-restricted CD8+ T cells, MHC class II-restricted TCRs engage CD4+ T cells, which are essential for providing help to CD8+ T cells and maintaining long-term viral control (PubMed: 19144920). These TCRs are engineered into T cells to recognize specific pp65 peptides presented by HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, or HLA-DP molecules on infected cells. This recognition triggers T-cell activation, cytokine production, and direct antiviral effects, making it a potent tool for treating refractory CMV in transplant recipients (PubMed: 26333445). Current research focuses on identifying high-affinity TCR sequences that can be used in TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) products to overcome the limitations of standard antiviral pharmacotherapy.

Other names

CMV pp65-specific TCRHLA-DR-restricted CMV TCRCD4+ CMV-specific T-cell receptorCytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65-specific TCRMHC class II-restricted CMV TCR

The TCR specifically binds to the complex formed by a CMV pp65-derived peptide and an MHC class II molecule, typically HLA-DR. This interaction initiates the TCR signaling complex (CD3), leading to the activation of downstream pathways such as NFAT and NF-kappaB, resulting in CD4+ T-cell proliferation and the release of antiviral cytokines like IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha (PubMed: 19144920, PubMed: 15905190).