Human papillomavirus 18 E7 antigen peptide–HLA-DRB1*09:01 complex

The “Human papillomavirus 18 E7 antigen peptide–HLA-DRB1*09:01 complex” consists of a peptide fragment derived from the E7 oncoprotein of HPV18, bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II receptor HLA-DRB1*09:01. This complex is recognized by CD4+ T cells, enabling immune recognition and elimination of HPV18-infected or transformed cells. The E7 protein is a central viral oncoprotein driving disruption of cell cycle control, facilitating cancer progression in persistent HPV infections[1][4]. Peptides derived from E7 are frequently studied as targets in therapeutic vaccines, as their presentation on specific HLA molecules (e.g., DRB1*09:01) is key to initiating robust, antigen-specific T-cell responses crucial for immunotherapy against HPV-associated malignancies[2][4][7]. The complex serves as a molecular target in research and experimental therapies for cervical and other HPV-related cancers, specifically in immunological patient subgroups defined by their HLA type[2][3][4][7].

Other names

HPV18 E7 peptide/HLA-DRB1*09:01 complexHPV18 E7-HLA-DRB1*09:01HPV18 E7-derived T-cell epitope/HLA-DRB1*09:01

Vaccines induce E7 peptide presentation by HLA-DRB1*09:01, stimulating antigen-specific CD4+ T cells to mount immune responses against HPV-infected or transformed (cancer) cells[2][4]. T cells recognize the peptide–MHC complex, leading to targeted immune-mediated destruction of HPV-positive cancer cells.