Varicella-zoster virus-specific T-cell receptor (VZV-specific TCR)

Varicella-zoster virus-specific T-cell receptors (VZV-specific TCRs) are specialized heterodimeric proteins located on the surface of T lymphocytes that mediate the recognition of VZV antigens. These receptors specifically bind to viral peptides, such as those derived from the IE62 or glycoprotein E (gE) proteins, when they are presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of infected cells (PMID: 31142650, 27535056). This recognition event is the primary trigger for the adaptive cellular immune response, leading to the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells which produce antiviral cytokines like interferon-gamma and directly lyse infected cells (PMID: 24106295). The maintenance of a robust population of T cells bearing these receptors is critical for preventing the reactivation of latent VZV from sensory ganglia, a process that otherwise leads to herpes zoster (shingles). In the pharmaceutical industry, these receptors are the functional targets of VZV vaccines, which aim to boost the frequency and quality of VZV-specific T-cell responses (PMID: 29065214). Additionally, VZV-specific TCRs are being researched for use in adoptive TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies to treat severe, disseminated VZV infections in immunocompromised patients who lack sufficient endogenous T-cell immunity.

Other names

VZV-specific T-cell receptorVaricella-zoster virus peptide-MHC-specific T-cell receptorVZV-reactive TCRT-cell receptor recognizing VZV peptide-MHC complexes

Recognition of specific VZV-derived peptides (e.g., from IE62, gE, or ORF4 proteins) presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, triggering T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine release to control viral replication.