T CELL RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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T cell receptor, often abbreviated as TCR, refers to a protein molecule present on the surface of T cells that plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. It functions as a receptor for antigens, which are foreign substances that can induce an immune response in the body. T cell receptors are responsible for recognizing and binding to specific antigens presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of other cells.
The T cell receptor is a heterodimeric protein composed of two different polypeptide chains, known as alpha and beta chains. These chains consist of variable and constant regions. The variable regions of the TCR are responsible for antigen recognition and binding, whereas the constant regions are involved in signal transduction and cell activation.
Upon binding to an antigen-MHC complex, the T cell receptor initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling events, leading to the activation of T cells and the initiation of an immune response. This activation process involves the presentation of antigen fragments to T cells by antigen-presenting cells and subsequent co-stimulation signals.
T cell receptors are highly diverse and specific, allowing the immune system to recognize an enormous range of antigens. Through the recognition and binding of antigens, T cell receptors facilitate the elimination of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, and also play a crucial role in immune surveillance against cancerous cells and the maintenance of immune tolerance.
Common Misspellings for T CELL RECEPTOR
- r cell receptor
- f cell receptor
- g cell receptor
- y cell receptor
- 6 cell receptor
- 5 cell receptor
- t xell receptor
- t vell receptor
- t fell receptor
- t dell receptor
- t cwll receptor
- t csll receptor
- t cdll receptor
- t crll receptor
- t c4ll receptor
- t c3ll receptor
- t cekl receptor
- t cepl receptor
- t ceol receptor
- t celk receptor
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