Human papillomavirus type 18 E6 peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex class I complex (HPV-18 E6 pMHC)

Human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV-18) E6 peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I complexes are molecular assemblies presented on the surface of cells infected with or transformed by HPV-18. The E6 protein is a primary oncoprotein that facilitates malignant transformation by inducing the degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, thereby inhibiting apoptosis and promoting genomic instability (Source: PubMed, PMID: 29073366). Intracellular processing of E6 results in short peptides that are loaded onto MHC class I molecules and transported to the cell surface for surveillance by CD8+ T cells (Source: NIH, PMC7140631). Because E6 expression is restricted to HPV-infected and cancerous cells, these pMHC complexes are ideal targets for precision immunotherapies, such as T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02858310). Therapeutic intervention aims to leverage the specificity of TCR recognition to direct a potent immune response against HPV-18-driven tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Other names

HPV18 E6-HLA complexHPV-18 E6/MHC-IHPV-18 E6 peptide-HLA-A*02:01 complexHuman papillomavirus 18 E6 antigen-MHC complex

Recognition by engineered or endogenous T-cell receptors (TCRs) leading to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and subsequent lysis of HPV-18 positive tumor cells.