The Characterization of Soluble T Cell Receptors Specific for the Parasite Toxoplasma Gondii

Abstract

CD8+ T cells are important in resolving diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. We characterized the binding affinities of three T Cell Receptors (TCRs) specific for the Rop7 antigenic peptide from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to further understand the immune response against the parasite. CD8+ T cells and the cytokine Interferon-? play a role in controlling the infection caused by the parasite. Soluble TCRs could potentially serve as an alternative platform to antibodies to deliver payloads such as cytokines, targeting Toxoplasma infected cells. We selected the Rop7c1 TCR clone, which possess the highest binding affinity, and increased its surface charges to try and improve its stability, thereby enhancing its attractiveness as an alternative targeting molecule. We also investigated if these three TCRs recognize their ligand differently. This enables us to study their mode of recognition, binding affinities and effector function, providing possible insights into the key factors determining antigen-specific T cell function.