Zika virus-specific T cell receptor (ZIKV-TCR)

The Zika virus-specific T cell receptor (ZIKV-TCR) is a specialized heterodimeric surface receptor found on T lymphocytes that mediates the recognition of Zika virus (ZIKV) antigens. These receptors specifically bind to viral peptides, such as those derived from the non-structural proteins NS3 and NS5 or the envelope (E) protein, which are processed and presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of infected cells (Elong Ngono et al., 2017). Upon binding to the peptide-MHC complex, the TCR initiates intracellular signaling pathways that lead to T cell activation, proliferation, and the execution of effector functions, including the release of cytotoxic granules and pro-inflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). In the context of ZIKV infection, these TCRs are essential for viral clearance and the establishment of protective immunity, although they may also contribute to immunopathology or cross-react with other flaviviruses like Dengue virus (Grifoni et al., 2017). Therapeutically, ZIKV-specific TCRs are the focus of vaccine strategies designed to elicit robust T cell responses and are being explored for adoptive TCR-T cell therapies to treat or prevent severe ZIKV-associated complications, such as congenital Zika syndrome and neurological disorders. Additionally, their role in recognizing ZIKV-infected cells is leveraged in oncolytic virotherapy, where ZIKV is used to selectively infect and induce an immune response against brain tumor cells (biorxiv.org, 2024).

Other names

Zika virus-reactive T cell receptorZIKV-specific T cell receptorT cell receptor recognizing Zika virus-derived peptides presented by MHCZika virus-specific TCR

Vaccines such as mRNA-1893 and GLS-5700 work by delivering ZIKV antigens to host cells, which then process and present viral peptides on MHC molecules to elicit the expansion of ZIKV-specific T cells. Adoptive T cell therapies involve the infusion of ex vivo expanded or TCR-engineered T cells that directly recognize ZIKV peptide-MHC complexes on infected cells, leading to targeted lysis and viral control.