Telomerase reverse transcriptase-derived peptide–MHC class II–CD4+ T cell receptor complex (TERT peptide–MHC II–TCR complex)

The Telomerase reverse transcriptase-derived peptide–MHC class II–CD4+ T cell receptor complex is a tripartite immunological structure central to the adaptive immune response against cancer. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is an enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, and its overexpression is a hallmark of approximately 90% of human malignancies, making it a nearly universal tumor-associated antigen (PMID: 28211508). In this complex, specific TERT-derived peptides are processed and presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules on the surface of professional antigen-presenting cells or certain tumor cells (PMID: 11001879). These complexes are then recognized by the T cell receptors (TCRs) of CD4+ helper T cells. The formation of this complex triggers CD4+ T cell activation, which is essential for orchestrating a robust anti-tumor response, including the recruitment and support of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the induction of inflammatory cytokines (PMID: 16322244). Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex, such as the UV1 vaccine, aim to expand the repertoire of TERT-specific CD4+ T cells to provide long-lasting immunosurveillance and tumor eradication (Ultimovas.com).

Other names

hTERT peptide-HLA class II-TCR complexTelomerase-specific CD4+ T-cell synapseTERT-MHC II-TCR complexhTERT-derived peptide-MHC II-CD4+ TCR complex

Activation of TERT-specific CD4+ T helper cells to induce anti-tumor immune responses and provide help for cytotoxic T lymphocytes.