T-cell receptor specific for MHC-presented ESAT-6 and CFP-10 peptides (TCR (ESAT-6/CFP-10))

The T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for MHC-presented ESAT-6 and CFP-10 peptides is a pivotal mediator of the cellular immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). ESAT-6 (Early Secretory Antigenic Target 6 kDa) and CFP-10 (Culture Filtrate Protein 10 kDa) are highly immunogenic proteins secreted by Mtb via the ESX-1 secretion system and are notably absent in the Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine strain (Brodin et al., 2004, Trends in Microbiology). These antigens are processed by antigen-presenting cells and displayed on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, where they are recognized by specific TCRs on CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes (Andersen, 2001, Trends in Immunology). This interaction triggers the release of protective cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which activate macrophages to contain or eliminate the intracellular pathogen (Kaufmann, 2013, Seminars in Immunology). Consequently, this TCR-antigen complex is a primary focus for the development of next-generation tuberculosis vaccines, such as H56:IC31, and serves as the biological basis for highly specific diagnostic Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) (Pai et al., 2014, Clinical Microbiology Reviews).

Other names

ESAT-6/CFP-10 specific T-cell receptorTCR-MHC-ESAT6-CFP10 complexMycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-specific T-cell receptorESAT-6/CFP-10-reactive TCR

Activation of antigen-specific T-cells to induce a protective Th1 immune response and cytokine production (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.