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

The HPV16 E7 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex is a molecular assembly found on the surface of HPV-infected or transformed cells, consisting of a short peptide derived from the E7 oncoprotein of Human Papillomavirus type 16 bound in the peptide-binding groove of the HLA-A*02:01 molecule, a human MHC class I protein[1][7][3]. This complex is critical for eliciting CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against virally infected or malignant cells and is a prominent therapeutic target for vaccine development, engineered T cell therapies, and TCR mimic antibodies aiming to selectively eradicate HPV-associated tumors[1][2][3][9]. Detection and targeting of this complex enable highly specific immunotherapies in HPV16-driven cancers, primarily in patients expressing the HLA-A*02:01 allele. The E7 protein itself is a key viral oncoprotein that disrupts cell cycle control by inactivating the tumor suppressor pRb, thereby promoting oncogenesis[2][4][8].

Other names

HPV16 E7/HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV16 E7 MHC class I complexHPV16 E7 antigen presented by HLA-A2HLA-A2/HPV16 E7 complex

Immune-mediated cytotoxicity: Recognition and killing of HPV-infected or cancer cells displaying the complex by CTLs or engineered antibodies/T-cells. Antigen-specific targeting: Generation of immune responses specifically against HPV16 by presenting the E7-derived peptide to immunocompetent cells.