Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 and E7 peptides presented on major histocompatibility complex class I (HPV16 E6/E7-MHC I)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 peptides presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules represent a primary therapeutic target for HPV-associated malignancies. HPV16 is a high-risk virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and a significant proportion of oropharyngeal and anogenital carcinomas (PubMed: 32603454). The E6 and E7 oncoproteins are constitutively expressed in these tumors and are essential for oncogenesis; E6 facilitates the degradation of the tumor suppressor p53, while E7 inactivates the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation (UniProt: P03126, P03129). Because these proteins are foreign viral antigens, their processed peptides (most notably the E7 11-20 epitope) presented by MHC class I molecules like HLA-A*02:01 serve as highly specific targets for the immune system. Current therapeutic strategies include TCR-engineered T-cell therapies, therapeutic vaccines, and TCR-like bispecific molecules designed to trigger a potent cytotoxic T-cell response specifically against HPV-transformed cells while sparing healthy tissue (PubMed: 31534025).

Other names

HPV16 E6/E7-HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV16 oncoprotein peptide-MHC complexHPV16 E6/E7-MHC class I complexE6/E7-HLA complexHPV16 E6/E7-pMHC

Therapeutic strategies target this complex through T-cell receptor (TCR) binding and activation, induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses via vaccines, or TCR-like bispecific engagement to direct immune effector cells against HPV-infected malignant cells.