Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein (49-57) peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex (HPV16 E7(49-57)–HLA-A*02:01)

The HPV16 E7 (49-57) peptide–HLA-A*02:01 complex is a specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) found on the surface of cells infected with Human Papillomavirus type 16 or HPV-driven malignant cells. The peptide sequence RAHYNIVTF is derived from the E7 oncoprotein, which is constitutively expressed in HPV-associated cancers such as cervical and oropharyngeal carcinomas. This complex serves as a highly specific neoantigen-like target for the immune system, as it is absent from healthy, non-infected human cells. Therapeutically, this complex is targeted by engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies and TCR-mimetic antibodies. These drugs are designed to recognize the unique spatial configuration of the RAHYNIVTF peptide nestled within the HLA-A*02:01 binding groove. Upon binding, these therapies trigger a potent cytotoxic immune response against the tumor cells. Because the target is intracellularly derived and presented via MHC, it allows for the targeting of oncogenic proteins that are otherwise inaccessible to traditional monoclonal antibody therapies.

Other names

RAHYNIVTF–HLA-A*02:01 complexHPV-16 E7 peptide–MHC class I complexE7 49-57 peptide–HLA-A2 complexpMHC complex (RAHYNIVTF)

Targeting of the specific peptide-MHC complex by engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) or TCR-mimetic antibodies to induce cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) mediated lysis of HPV-infected or malignant cells.