Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex (HPV-16 E6–MHC I)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex is a molecular assembly consisting of a specific peptide fragment derived from the HPV-16 E6 oncoprotein bound to an MHC class I molecule, typically HLA-A*02:01 (PMID: 25583751). This complex is expressed on the surface of HPV-infected or transformed cells, serving as a critical neoantigen for the immune system (PMID: 31515263). The E6 protein is essential for viral oncogenesis as it facilitates the degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignancy (PMID: 28882873). Because this complex is highly specific to HPV-positive cancer cells and absent in healthy tissues, it represents a high-priority target for immunotherapies, including T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells and TCR-like monoclonal antibodies (NCT03970382). Therapeutic strategies aim to leverage the immune system to recognize these complexes and selectively eliminate tumor cells in cervical, oropharyngeal, and other HPV-associated cancers. Clinical candidates like CUE-101 and various TCR-T cell therapies are designed to specifically interact with this complex to trigger a potent anti-tumor immune response (NCT04180215).

Other names

HPV16 E6/HLA-A*02:01 complexE6 peptide-HLA complexHPV-16 E6 oncoprotein-derived peptide-MHC complexE6(29-38)-HLA-A*02:01

Targeted recognition by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-like antibodies to induce cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated apoptosis of HPV-16 positive cells.