T-cell receptor

Function

T-cell receptors (TCR) reside on the surface of T lymphocytes. TCR recognizes antigens bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The binding of TCR to the antigen-MHC activates the T lymphocytes^[1]. TCR is a heterodimer of α+β subunits and ca. 5% the T cells have γ+δ subumits. TCR NKT reside in Natural Killer T-cells.

• T-cell receptor α chain, β chain complex with enterotoxin and Na+ ion (2xna).

For more details see SP3.4-TCR-HLA-DQ8-∝-1-gliadin_complex.

Relevance

Genes encoding antigen-specific receptors into T cells can redirect their functional activity against targets including virally infected or cancer cells^[2]. This technique is currently developed by several biotechnology companies and implemented in therapy.

3D structures of T-cell receptor

T-cell receptor 3D structures