Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 and E7 oncoprotein-derived peptide-MHC complexes (HPV-16 E6/E7 pMHC)

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E6 and E7 are potent oncoproteins that drive the malignant transformation of cells by degrading tumor suppressors p53 and pRb, respectively (PMID: 29113301). These proteins are continuously expressed in HPV-associated cancers, such as cervical and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, making them highly specific tumor-associated antigens. When these oncoproteins are processed intracellularly, their derived peptide fragments (epitopes) are presented on the cell surface by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, typically HLA-A*02:01. This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex serves as the primary target for T-cell receptors (TCRs), which can be leveraged in therapeutic interventions like TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapy and therapeutic vaccines (PMID: 32773408). Because these epitopes are of viral origin, they are not present in normal human tissues, providing a high degree of tumor specificity and reducing the likelihood of off-target toxicity. However, clinical success is often hindered by the tumor's ability to downregulate MHC expression or create an immunosuppressive microenvironment that inhibits T-cell activity (PMID: 26375769).

Other names

HPV16 E6/E7 epitopesHPV16 E6/E7 T-cell epitopesHPV16 E6/E7 HLA-restricted antigensHPV16 E6/E7 peptide-MHC complex

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production against HPV-16 positive tumor cells.