T-cell Receptor (TCR)-peptide specificity overrides affinity-enhancing TCR-major histocompatibility complex interactions

Abstract

Background: TCR recognition of bipartite ligands composed of self (MHC) and non-self (peptide) maintains T-cell specificity. Results: Mutation of residues in the cognate peptide override TCR mutations that enhance MHC binding. Conclusion: TCR-pMHC binding affinity requires specific TCR-peptide interactions. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.