Atomistic origin for catch bond formation in the preTCR-pMHC complex

Abstract

Pre-T-cell receptors (preTCRs), whose thymocyte-specific expression initiates during the DN3 stage of early T-cell development, interact with peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecules. This interplay selects for TCR beta-chains capable of recognizing MHC-bound self-peptides, which, in turn, controls the fate and diversity of mature alpha-beta T-cells. We have also found that the preTCR-pMHC complex exhibits a ligand-dependent catch bond behavior where the bond lifetime increases upon application of physiological level force.