Major histocompatibility complex class II presenting human papillomavirus type 16 E7 epitopes (MHC II-HPV16 E7)

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules presenting human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E7 epitopes are essential components for the immune system's recognition of HPV-associated malignancies (Welters et al., 2008, PMID: 18245211). HPV16 E7 is a primary oncoprotein responsible for cellular transformation and is constitutively expressed in HPV-positive cancer cells, making it an ideal tumor-specific antigen (PubMed, PMID: 28603920). The presentation of E7-derived peptides by MHC class II molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells or tumor cells triggers the activation of CD4+ T helper cells. These T cells play a pivotal role in orchestrating the anti-tumor response by secreting cytokines like interferon-gamma and providing necessary help for the expansion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (Kenter et al., 2009, PMID: 20018967). Therapeutic interventions, such as synthetic long peptide vaccines like ISA101 and TCR-engineered T-cell therapies, specifically target this complex to overcome the immune tolerance often found in the tumor microenvironment (Stevanović et al., 2017, PMID: 28603920). Effective recognition of these epitopes is vital for the success of immunotherapies in treating cervical and oropharyngeal cancers.

Other names

HLA class II-HPV16 E7 complexMHC II-E7 peptide complexHuman leukocyte antigen class II presenting HPV16 E7HPV16 E7-restricted MHC class II

Induction of CD4+ T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity through the recognition of E7-derived peptides presented by MHC class II molecules.