T-cell receptor specific for SARS-CoV-2 Spike-derived peptide–HLA complex (SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific TCR)

T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for SARS-CoV-2 Spike-derived peptide–HLA complexes are specialized proteins found on the surface of T lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in the adaptive immune response to COVID-19. These receptors, typically composed of alpha (α) and beta (β) chains, are designed to recognize specific viral epitopes, such as the immunodominant YLQPRTFLL peptide, when presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules like HLA-A*02:01 on infected host cells [1][3]. Upon binding to these peptide-HLA complexes, the TCR triggers a signaling cascade through the CD3 complex, leading to T-cell proliferation and the deployment of effector functions, including the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the direct killing of virus-infected cells [2][4]. In a therapeutic context, these TCRs are being isolated and utilized to develop TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, which aim to provide robust, targeted immunity to patients with severe COVID-19 or those who are immunocompromised and cannot generate an effective natural response [2]. The development of these therapies requires careful screening to ensure high affinity for viral targets while minimizing the risk of off-target cross-reactivity with healthy human tissues [4]. Sources: [1] Shomuradova et al. (2020) Immunity; [2] Medigene AG (2020) Corporate Communications; [3] Francis et al. (2022) Nature Communications; [4] Karapetyan et al. (2022) Frontiers in Immunology.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific T-cell receptorSpike-reactive TCRSARS-CoV-2 TCRS-protein specific TCRSARS-CoV-2 peptide-MHC specific TCR

Recognition of specific SARS-CoV-2 Spike peptides presented by HLA molecules on the surface of infected cells, triggering T-cell activation, cytokine release, and direct lysis of the target cell.