Human papillomavirus E7 peptide–major histocompatibility complex class I complex (HPV E7–MHC complex)

The HPV E7 peptide–MHC complex consists of short viral peptides, typically 8–10 amino acids in length, derived from the E7 oncoprotein of high-risk human papillomavirus (most notably HPV16 and HPV18), bound to MHC class I molecules and displayed on the surface of infected or malignant cells. This complex enables immune recognition by CD8+ T cells, leading to potential lysis of the presenting cell. Therapeutic approaches, such as peptide vaccines and TCR-mimicking antibodies, are designed to elicit or enhance host immune responses against this target, aiming to clear HPV-infected or HPV-transformed cancer cells. The presence and immunogenicity of these complexes are central both to cancer immunotherapy and to the biomarker-driven identification of HPV-driven malignancies.

Other names

HPV E7 peptide–MHC complexHPV16 E7 peptide–MHC class I complexHPV E7 peptide–HLA complexE7 peptide–MHC complex

Induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against cells displaying the HPV E7 peptide–MHC complex Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by TCR-mimic antibodies specifically binding the complex