Human papillomavirus type 16 E7-derived peptide-MHC complex (HPV16 E7-pMHC)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7-derived peptide-MHC complex is a primary target for immunotherapeutic intervention in HPV-driven malignancies. The E7 protein is a viral oncoprotein essential for the maintenance of the malignant phenotype in cancers such as cervical, oropharyngeal, and anal carcinoma, primarily through its interaction with the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) (Source: PubMed, PMID: 29158374). Peptides derived from E7 are processed and presented on the surface of tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, most notably HLA-A*02:01. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes are the specific ligands recognized by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, which is a prerequisite for the induction of a targeted anti-tumor immune response (Source: Nature Communications, PMID: 30305614). Therapeutic approaches targeting this complex include therapeutic vaccines like ISA101 and PDS0101, which stimulate endogenous T cells, and adoptive cell therapies using TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T) (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, PMID: 27621309). Because E7 is a foreign viral protein, the E7-pMHC complex serves as a highly specific tumor-associated antigen, offering a favorable safety profile by minimizing damage to non-infected healthy tissues.

Other names

HPV16 E7 peptide-HLA complexE7-pMHCHPV16 E7 epitope-MHC complexHPV16 E7 antigen-presenting cell complex

T-cell receptor (TCR) binding and activation of cytotoxic T-cell responses against HPV-infected or transformed cells.