Human papillomavirus 16 E7-specific T-cell receptor (HPV-16 E7 TCR)

The HPV-16 E7-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) is a specialized antigen-recognition protein complex expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes, specifically engineered to target the E7 oncoprotein of Human Papillomavirus type 16. This TCR typically recognizes the E7 11-19 epitope (YMLDLQPET) when presented by the HLA-A*02:01 major histocompatibility complex on the surface of infected or malignant cells. Because the E7 protein is essential for maintaining the malignant phenotype and is constitutively expressed in HPV-16-positive cancers but absent in healthy tissues, it serves as an ideal, highly specific neoantigen for immunotherapy. Therapeutic strategies, such as TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapy, utilize these receptors to redirect the patient's immune system to selectively identify and eliminate epithelial cancer cells, including those in cervical, oropharyngeal, and anal carcinomas. Clinical studies have shown that T cells modified with this TCR can achieve significant tumor regression and durable responses, even in patients who have failed prior checkpoint inhibitor therapies. However, the effectiveness of targeting this receptor can be challenged by tumor-mediated immune evasion, such as the downregulation or genetic loss of HLA or B2M molecules required for antigen presentation.

Other names

HPV-16 E7-specific TCRE7 T-cell receptorHLA-A*02:01-restricted E7 TCRE7 TCRHPV16 E7-targeted T-cell receptor

T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells express a high-avidity receptor that specifically recognizes the HPV-16 E7 11-19 epitope (YMLDLQPET) presented by HLA-A*02:01 on tumor cells. Upon binding to this peptide-MHC complex, the engineered T cells undergo activation, proliferate, and release cytotoxic granules (perforin and granzymes) and cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) to selectively lyse HPV-16-positive malignant cells.