HPV16 E7 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex (null)

The **HPV16 E7 peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex** consists of a short (typically 8–11 amino acids; sometimes longer) peptide derived from the E7 oncoprotein of Human papillomavirus 16, presented by the major histocompatibility complex class I molecule HLA-A*02:01 on the surface of human cells[5][8]. This complex serves as a crucial antigen for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, allowing the immune system to recognize and destroy HPV-infected or transformed cells. It is a prominent target in immunotherapy research, most notably in cancer vaccine and adoptive cell transfer approaches for HPV16-driven cancers. Recent studies have verified both the stability of the complex and its immunogenicity, and therapeutic constructs (antibodies, T-cell receptors) have been engineered to specifically target the complex for directed immune attack[3][5]. The clinical utility and safety depend strongly on patient HLA subtype and tumor antigen expression.

Other names

HPV16 E7/HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV16 E7 peptide–MHC class I complex (where MHC class I is HLA-A*02:01)HPV type 16 E7 peptide–HLA-A*02:01HPV16 E7–HLA-A2 complex (less precise, but commonly seen)

Immune cell-based recognition: cytotoxic T lymphocytes bind to the peptide–HLA complex via their T-cell receptor, leading to targeted killing of infected/malignant cells[5][3] Antibody-mediated blockade or recruitment (by engineered antibodies that mimic T-cell receptor binding of the complex)[3]