What does TCR mean in PHYSIOLOGY
TCR stands for T-cell receptor.
TCR meaning in Physiology in Medical
TCR mostly used in an acronym Physiology in Category Medical that means T-cell receptor
Shorthand: TCR,
Full Form: T-cell receptor
For more information of "T-cell receptor", see the section below.
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- TCRs are cell surface proteins that are expressed on T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the adaptive immune response. TCRs are responsible for recognizing specific antigens, which are foreign molecules that are recognized as harmful by the immune system. When a TCR binds to an antigen, it triggers a series of events that lead to the activation of the T cell and the initiation of an immune response.
Function of TCR
- TCRs are highly specific for their target antigens.
- Each TCR is capable of recognizing only a single specific antigen. TCRs are composed of two polypeptide chains, alpha and beta, which are noncovalently associated. The alpha and beta chains each have a variable region and a constant region. *The variable region is responsible for binding to the antigen, while the constant region is responsible for transmitting the signal that activates the T cell.
Structure of TCR
TCRs are composed of two polypeptide chains, alpha and beta, which are noncovalently associated. The alpha and beta chains each have a variable region and a constant region. *The variable region is responsible for binding to the antigen, while the constant region is responsible for transmitting the signal that activates the T cell.
Essential Questions and Answers on T-cell receptor in "MEDICAL»PHYSIOLOGY"
What is a T-cell receptor (TCR)?
A T-cell receptor (TCR) is a protein complex expressed on the surface of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system. The TCR is responsible for recognizing specific antigen-MHC complexes presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Upon recognition, the TCR triggers intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the activation of T cells and the initiation of an immune response.
How does the TCR recognize antigens?
The TCR recognizes antigens in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. MHC molecules are cell surface proteins that present processed antigen fragments to T cells. Each T cell expresses a unique TCR that is specific for a particular MHC-antigen complex. The TCR binds to the MHC-antigen complex in a highly specific manner, allowing the T cell to recognize and respond to specific pathogens or antigens.
What is the role of the TCR in T cell activation?
The TCR plays a central role in T cell activation. Upon binding to an MHC-antigen complex, the TCR triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events that lead to the activation of the T cell. This includes the phosphorylation of signaling molecules, the activation of transcription factors, and the production of cytokines and chemokines. The activated T cell then undergoes clonal expansion and differentiation into effector T cells, which can directly kill infected cells or provide help to other immune cells.
Are there different types of TCRs?
Yes, there are two main types of TCRs: αβ TCRs and γδ TCRs. αβ TCRs are the most common type and are expressed on the majority of T cells. They recognize antigens presented by MHC class I and MHC class II molecules. γδ TCRs are less common and are expressed on a small subset of T cells. They recognize a more limited range of antigens, often presented by non-classical MHC molecules.
What happens if the TCR does not recognize any antigens?
If the TCR does not recognize any antigens, the T cell will undergo a process called negative selection. During negative selection, T cells that react too strongly to self-antigens are eliminated, ensuring that the immune system does not attack the body's own tissues. Negative selection occurs in the thymus during T cell development.
Final Words: TCRs are essential for the adaptive immune response. They are responsible for recognizing specific antigens and triggering the activation of T cells, which then initiate an immune response to eliminate the foreign invader.
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