"The T-cell receptor (TCR) is responsible for recognizing fragments of antigen as peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules."
The structure and function of T cell receptors (TCRs), including how they specifically recognize antigens presented by MHC molecules.
Basic Immunology: Basic immunology is the study of the immune system, including T cell receptors, to understand how the body defends against pathogens and self-regulates to prevent autoimmune diseases.
Cellular biology: Cellular biology is the study of the structure, organization, and functions of cells, including their molecular and cellular processes.
Molecular biology: Molecular biology is the study of the structure, function, and interactions of molecules that are involved in biological processes, including T cell receptors.
Genetics and genomics: Genetics and genomics in the context of T cell receptors involve studying the genetic basis and genomic variations that govern the formation and diversity of T cell receptor genes and their role in immune responses.
Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics refers to the application of computational methods and tools to analyze and interpret biological data, in the case of T cell receptors, aiding in their identification, classification, and understanding of their functional properties.
Immunogenetics: Immunogenetics is the study of the genetic factors that influence the immune system, including the genetic variations in T cell receptor genes that contribute to the diverse recognition and response capabilities of T cells.
T cell development: T cell development refers to the process by which immature T cells undergo differentiation and maturation to acquire functional T cell receptors and fulfill their roles in adaptive immune responses.
T cell receptor structures and function: T cell receptor structures and function involve the identification and binding of foreign antigens by T cells, activating an immune response against pathogens or abnormal cells.
T cell receptor diversity and specificity: T cell receptor diversity and specificity refer to the wide range of unique T cell receptors that enable the recognition and targeting of specific antigens.
T cell receptor gene recombination: T cell receptor gene recombination is a process where genetic rearrangement occurs to generate diverse T cell receptor proteins for recognition of specific antigens.
Antigen presentation: Antigen presentation is the process by which T cell receptors recognize and bind to antigens displayed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells to initiate an immune response.
T cell activation and proliferation: T cell activation and proliferation refers to the process by which T cells recognize and respond to antigenic stimulation, leading to their proliferation and differentiation into effector cells that mount an immune response.
T cell memory: T cell memory refers to the ability of antigen-specific T cells to remember and quickly respond to pathogens they have encountered before, leading to a stronger and faster immune response upon reinfection.
Immune dysregulation and disease: Immune dysregulation and disease refers to the malfunctioning or overactivation of T cell receptors, leading to impaired immune responses and the development of various disorders.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a field of biology that focuses on the use of T cell receptors to boost the immune system's ability to fight diseases such as cancer.
Alpha-beta TCRs: Alpha-beta TCRs are composed of an alpha and beta chain, each of which has a variable region that is responsible for antigen recognition. These TCRs recognize peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of other cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. Most T cells in the human body express alpha-beta TCRs.
Gamma-delta TCRs: Gamma-delta TCRs are composed of a gamma and delta chain, and they are found on a subset of T cells known as gamma-delta T cells. These cells are less common than alpha-beta T cells, and they play a distinct role in the immune response by recognizing antigens that are not presented by MHC molecules, such as lipid antigens found on the surface of certain cells. Gamma-delta T cells are also involved in the immune response to certain infections and tumors.
"The TCR binds to antigen peptides with relatively low affinity and degeneracy, meaning many TCRs recognize the same antigen peptide and vice versa."
"In 95% of T cells, the TCR consists of an alpha (α) chain and a beta (β) chain (encoded by TRA and TRB, respectively)."
"In 5% of T cells, the TCR consists of gamma and delta (γ/δ) chains (encoded by TRG and TRD, respectively)."
"Yes, the ratio of TCR composition changes during ontogeny and in diseased states such as leukemia."
"Yes, the TCR composition differs between species."
"All four loci (TRA, TRB, TRG, and TRD) have been mapped in various species."
"Yes, each locus can produce a variety of polypeptides with constant and variable regions."
"The T lymphocyte is activated through signal transduction, a series of biochemical events mediated by associated enzymes, co-receptors, specialized adaptor molecules, and activated or released transcription factors."
"The TCR belongs to the family of non-catalytic tyrosine-phosphorylated receptors (NTRs)."
"The binding between TCR and antigen peptides is of relatively low affinity."
"Many TCRs recognize the same antigen peptide."
"Many antigen peptides are recognized by the same TCR."
"The ratio of TCR composition changes during diseased states such as leukemia."
"The TCR in humans consists of an alpha (α) chain and a beta (β) chain."
"Only 5% of T cells have gamma and delta (γ/δ) chains in their TCR."
"Yes, the TCR composition changes during ontogeny."
"Yes, the TCR composition differs between species."
"Enzymes, co-receptors, specialized adaptor molecules, and activated or released transcription factors are involved in the signal transduction process of TCR activation."
"The TCR belongs to the family of non-catalytic tyrosine-phosphorylated receptors (NTRs)."