Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 peptide–Major histocompatibility complex class I complex (HPV-16 E7–MHC I complex)

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7 peptide–MHC class I complexes are cell-surface structures composed of a specific peptide fragment derived from the E7 oncoprotein bound to a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecule, typically HLA-A*02:01. The E7 protein is a primary driver of oncogenesis in HPV-related malignancies, such as cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, where it is constitutively expressed to maintain the malignant phenotype. These peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes serve as the primary signal for CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes to identify and eliminate virally infected or cancerous cells. Because the E7 protein is of viral origin and not expressed in healthy human tissues, these complexes represent highly specific targets for immunotherapy. Current therapeutic approaches include T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies, therapeutic vaccines, and bispecific molecules designed to redirect the immune system to recognize and destroy cells presenting these specific E7 epitopes. (Sources: National Cancer Institute, PubMed: 25583444, UniProt: P03129).

Other names

HPV16 E7/HLA-A*02:01 complexE7 peptide-HLA complexHPV-16 E7 antigen-MHC complexpMHC complex (HPV-16 E7)

Recognition by engineered or endogenous T-cell receptors (TCRs) leading to the activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and subsequent lysis of HPV-16 infected or transformed cells.