New academic paper: tcrBLOSUM for advancing TCR Repertoire analysis

ImmuneWatch cofounders Pieter Meysman and Kris Laukens have introduced tcrBLOSUM, a specialised amino acid substitution matrix designed to enhance TCR repertoire analysis. Unlike BLOSUM62, which is commonly used but limited by its focus on evolutionary conservation, tcrBLOSUM captures the unique patterns of amino acid variations within TCR sequences binding the same epitope.

This innovation enables the accurate alignment of distant epitope-specific TCRs, even those with dissimilar sequences, improving the sensitivity of TCR clustering. By bridging the gap between sequence diversity and epitope recognition, tcrBLOSUM supports advancements in immunomonitoring, vaccine development, and personalised immunotherapies.

This work highlights the power of tailored tools in unlocking the complexities of adaptive immunity.