Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 peptide–HLA-A*02 complex (HPV16 E7–HLA-A*02)

The HPV16 E7 peptide–HLA-A*02 complex is a peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) consisting of an epitope derived from the Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 oncoprotein presented by the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) A*02 allele, most commonly the A*02:01 subtype. The E7 protein is a critical driver of malignant transformation in HPV-infected cells, where it binds and degrades the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein, leading to uncontrolled cell cycle progression. Because E7 is constitutively expressed in HPV-associated cancers but absent in healthy tissues, its presentation on the cell surface via HLA-A*02 makes it an ideal target for immunotherapy. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, such as KITE-439 and the NCI-developed E7 TCR, as well as TCR-mimic antibodies and peptide vaccines. These therapies aim to redirect the patient's immune system to specifically recognize and eliminate HPV16-positive tumor cells, offering a potential treatment for metastatic cervical, oropharyngeal, and other anogenital cancers.

Other names

HPV16 E7 11-19/HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV16 E7 11-20/HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV16 E7 82-90/HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV16 E7 86-93/HLA-A*02:01 complexpMHC complex (HPV16 E7/HLA-A*02)HPV16 E7 epitope presented by HLA-A*02:01

Adoptive T-cell transfer (TCR-T) or T-cell redirection (BiTE) to recognize and kill HPV16+ tumor cells; Active immunization (vaccine) to induce endogenous T-cell responses.