In the adaptive immune response, interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR) and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are crucial for immune system development, maturation, surveillance, and protection against pathogens and cancer.
When the TCR binds to a pMHC complex, in conjunction with co-stimulatory signals and environmental cytokines, it triggers a cascade of intracellular signalling events that ultimately lead to T cell activation. TCR affinity for pMHC is relatively weak in vivo, with a KD in the micromolar range. By modifying this interaction, it is possible to enhance or suppress the immune response, providing a powerful tool for therapeutic intervention.
Understanding the TCR-pMHC interaction is essential for developing new therapies for autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers, as well as for the development of screening and diagnostic tools.
Read the full application note to learn more about measuring TCR-pMHC affinity.
