Human papillomavirus type 16 E7-derived peptide antigen presented on MHC class I (HPV16 E7/MHC-I)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7-derived peptide antigen presented on MHC class I is a specific molecular complex found on the surface of cells infected with high-risk HPV16 or transformed into malignant states. The E7 protein is a primary viral oncoprotein that facilitates oncogenesis by binding to and degrading the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), which leads to the loss of cell cycle regulation and promotes genomic instability (Source: PubMed, PMID: 29073366). Within the cell, E7 is degraded into peptides that are loaded onto Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules, most commonly HLA-A*02:01, for presentation to the immune system (Source: UniProt P03129). This specific peptide-MHC complex acts as a neoantigen, allowing the immune system to distinguish between healthy cells and those expressing viral oncoproteins (Source: Nature Communications, 2020). Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cells, therapeutic vaccines, and bispecific T-cell engagers, all designed to trigger a potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against HPV-associated tumors such as cervical and oropharyngeal cancers (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov). The clinical success of these therapies depends on the stable expression of the E7 antigen and the presence of the appropriate HLA allele in the patient population (Source: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer). Safety considerations include potential off-target reactivity if the targeted peptide sequence mimics self-antigens found in healthy tissues (Source: Frontiers in Immunology). Additionally, tumors may employ immune evasion tactics such as the downregulation of MHC class I molecules to avoid detection by T-cells (Source: Cancer Immunology Research).

Other names

HPV16 E7 peptide-HLA complexHLA-A*02:01-restricted HPV16 E7 antigenE7(11-19) peptide-MHC complexHPV16 E7 oncoprotein antigenHPV16 E7(11-20) peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of the peptide-MHC complex leading to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation and targeted lysis of HPV-infected or transformed cells.