Skip to main content

T-Cell Epitope

Meaning

A T-Cell Epitope is the specific, small molecular fragment of an antigen that is recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR) on a T lymphocyte, initiating an adaptive immune response. These peptide fragments are presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, acting as the critical molecular signal for T-cell activation. In autoimmune conditions, such as certain endocrine disorders, the T-cell epitope is often a fragment of a self-protein, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. Understanding these epitopes is essential for developing targeted immunotherapies.