Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 peptide-HLA class I complex (HPV16 E7-HLA complex)

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 peptide-HLA complex is a cell-surface molecular structure formed when a viral peptide fragment from the HPV E7 oncoprotein is presented by a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, such as HLA-A*02:01[7][5][9]. This complex is recognized by antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells, which can eliminate HPV-infected or transformed cells. Its presence is a hallmark of HPV-associated cancers, including cervical cancer, and it serves as a key antigen in immunotherapy strategies. Therapeutic constructs, including peptide vaccines, engineered T cell receptors, and monoclonal antibodies, have been developed specifically to target or detect this complex. Since the E7 protein drives oncogenic transformation and is essential for cancer cell proliferation, the corresponding peptide-MHC complex is a critical therapeutic target for immune-based interventions in HPV-driven malignancies[1][2][5][7][10].

Other names

HPV16 E7 peptide/MHC class I complexE7MCHPV E7 epitope/HLA-A2 complexHPV E7 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complex

Activation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes directed against HPV-infected or transformed cells; Antibody-mediated targeting of cells presenting the E7 peptide-HLA complex for destruction