Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 peptide epitope presented by HLA-A*02:01 (HPV16 E7/HLA-A*02:01)

The HPV16 E7 peptide epitope presented by HLA-A*02:01 is a molecular complex consisting of a specific 9- or 10-amino acid fragment from the Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 oncoprotein bound to the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) A*02:01 molecule (Source: PubMed ID 32814730). HPV16 is the primary driver of several malignancies, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and anogenital cancers, where the E7 protein is constitutively expressed to maintain the malignant phenotype by degrading the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) (Source: National Cancer Institute). Because this viral protein is absent in normal human cells, the E7/HLA-A*02:01 complex serves as a highly specific neoantigen for immunotherapy. Current therapeutic approaches include TCR-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapies, bispecific T-cell engagers like CUE-101, and therapeutic vaccines designed to trigger a potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against cells displaying this epitope (Source: Cue Biopharma; Adaptimmune). Clinical success depends on the precise recognition of the peptide-MHC complex to avoid off-target toxicity and the ability to overcome immune evasion mechanisms such as HLA downregulation in the tumor microenvironment (Source: PubMed ID 33504550).

Other names

HPV16 E7 (11-20) peptide-MHC complexHLA-A*02:01-restricted HPV16 E7 epitopeE7:11-20/HLA-A*02:01HPV16 E7 oncoprotein epitope

Targeting of the peptide-MHC complex via engineered T-cell receptors (TCR-T), bispecific fusion proteins, or therapeutic vaccines to induce a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response against HPV16-positive tumor cells.