Soluble T cell receptors: novel immunotherapies.
T cell receptors are antigen-specific proteins that have evolved to recognize peptide antigens presented by human leukocyte antigen molecules on most cell types. Like antibodies, T cell receptors are produced with huge diversity but, unlike antibodies, T cell receptors are not secreted and do not undergo somatic mutations that increase their affinities for antigen. Recently, however, methods have been developed that enable T cell receptors to be engineered as soluble proteins with extremely high affinities, and fused to various immune-modulator molecules. T cell receptors are now set to unlock a whole new range of targets with key roles in cancer, viral infections, autoimmune diseases and allergies.
Molloy
Peter E
PE
Avidex Limited, 57C Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RX, UK.
Sewell
Andrew K
AK
Jakobsen
Bent K
BK
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D012995:Solubility; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell