TCR therapy stands for T-cell receptor therapy.
Understanding TCR Therapy
TCR therapy is a type of immunotherapy that utilizes the power of the body's own T cells to fight diseases, particularly cancer. T cells are a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for recognizing and eliminating threats.
Key Aspects of TCR Therapy
- T-cell Receptor (TCR): The T-cell receptor (TCR) is a transmembrane receptor found on the surface of T cells that is responsible for recognising targets, or 'antigens' in the form of peptides bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on target cells.
- Targeting Specific Antigens: TCRs are engineered or selected to specifically recognize antigens, often cancer-specific antigens, presented on the surface of cells.
- Enhanced Immune Response: By modifying or selecting T cells with TCRs that target cancer cells, the therapy aims to enhance the immune system's ability to identify and destroy cancerous cells.
How TCR Therapy Works
- T Cell Collection: T cells are collected from the patient's blood.
- TCR Modification or Selection: These T cells are then either genetically modified to express a specific TCR that recognizes a cancer antigen or selected for T cells that already have a naturally occurring TCR with the desired specificity.
- Expansion: The modified or selected T cells are expanded in the laboratory to create a large population of therapeutic T cells.
- Infusion: The expanded population of T cells is then infused back into the patient.
- Targeted Destruction: These engineered T cells, guided by their TCRs, recognize and kill cancer cells expressing the target antigen.
