Major histocompatibility complex class I presenting Human Papillomavirus type 16 E7 peptide (MHC-I/HPV16 E7)

The Major histocompatibility complex class I presenting Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 peptide is a molecular complex formed by the presentation of viral oncoprotein fragments on the surface of infected or malignant cells. HPV16 is the primary causative agent of cervical cancer and various oropharyngeal cancers, where the E7 protein plays a central role in oncogenesis by degrading the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor (Source: PubMed PMID 23861540). Intracellular processing of E7 generates specific epitopes, such as the immunodominant E7 11-19 peptide, which are then displayed by HLA-A*02:01 molecules (Source: PubMed PMID 33434118). This peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex serves as a highly specific target for the immune system, identifying cells that have undergone viral transformation. Therapeutic interventions, including TCR-engineered T-cells (TCR-T) and bispecific T-cell engagers, are designed to recognize this specific complex to trigger targeted cell lysis (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03978689). Unlike traditional targets, this pMHC allows for the targeting of intracellular viral proteins that are otherwise inaccessible to standard antibody therapies. Clinical development of drugs like CUE-101 and various TCR-T candidates focuses on patients who are both HPV16-positive and HLA-A*02:01-positive (Source: Cue Biopharma Pipeline).

Other names

HLA-A*02:01/HPV16 E7 complexHPV16 E7 peptide-MHC complexpMHC HPV16 E7Human leukocyte antigen class I presenting HPV16 E7

T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated recognition and subsequent T-cell activation leading to targeted cytotoxicity.