T-cell-receptor-like antibodies - Generation, function and applications

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Tumour and virus-infected cells are recognised by CD8 + cytotoxic T cells that, in response, are activated to eliminate these cells. In order to be activated, the clonotypic T-cell receptor (TCR) needs to encounter a specific peptide antigen presented by the membrane surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule. Cells that have undergone malignant transformation or viral infection present peptides derived from tumour-associated antigens or viral proteins on their MHC class I molecules. Therefore, disease-specific MHC-peptide complexes are desirable targets for immunotherapeutic approaches. One such approach transforms the unique fine specificity but low intrinsic affinity of TCRs to MHC-peptide complexes into high-affinity soluble antibody molecules endowed with a TCR-like specificity towards tumour or viral epitopes. These antibodies, termed TCR-like antibodies, are being developed as a new class of immunotherapeutics that can target tumour and virus-infected cells and mediate their specific killing. In addition to their therapeutic capabilities, TCR-like antibodies are being developed as diagnostic reagents for cancer and infectious diseases, and serve as valuable research tools for studying MHC class I antigen presentation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalExpert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
Volume14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'T-cell-receptor-like antibodies - Generation, function and applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this