T-cell receptor specific for influenza-derived peptides presented on MHC (TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for influenza-derived peptides presented on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules are essential mediators of the adaptive immune response against influenza viruses. These receptors, primarily expressed on CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, recognize highly conserved viral epitopes, such as the matrix protein 1 (M1) peptide GILGFVFTL, when presented by specific MHC Class I alleles like HLA-A*02:01. Upon binding to the peptide-MHC complex, the TCR initiates a signaling cascade that leads to T-cell activation, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ and TNF-α), and the targeted destruction of infected host cells. In therapeutic contexts, these TCRs are being explored as targets for universal influenza vaccines and as the basis for adoptive TCR-T cell therapies aimed at providing broad, cross-strain protection. However, their clinical application faces challenges such as viral escape through epitope mutations and the risk of off-target cross-reactivity with self-peptides.

Other names

Flu-specific T-cell receptorInfluenza-specific TCRM1-specific T-cell receptorHLA-A*02:01-restricted influenza TCRTRAV27/TRBV19 T-cell receptorVα24/Vβ17 T-cell receptor

Recognition of viral peptide-MHC complexes leading to T-cell activation, cytokine production, and direct lysis of infected cells.