The invention provides T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules comprising a V.alpha. chain and a V.beta. chain that bind peptides derived from the p53 protein, preferably, the human p53 protein. The TCR molecules include both heterodimeric molecules and single chain molecules which specifically bind a sequence preferably spanning about amino acid positions 264-272 of the p53 protein displayed in the context of an HLA molecule, preferably, HLA-A2.1. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such TCR molecules. The invention has a wide spectrum of useful application including therapeutic uses and use in the detection of cells expressing p53 protein.