T-cell receptor specific for HPV16 E7 peptide–MHC complexes (HPV16 E7 TCR)

The T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for HPV16 E7 peptide–MHC complexes is a recombinant or naturally derived receptor engineered into T cells for adoptive immunotherapy (Jin et al., 2018; NCI Drug Dictionary). It is designed to recognize the E7 oncoprotein of Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), a key driver of malignancy in various epithelial cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (Frontiers in Oncology, 2026; ClinicalTrials.gov). The TCR specifically binds to the E7(11-19) peptide (YMLDLQPET) presented by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01 molecule (PLOS ONE, 2022). Upon binding, the TCR triggers T-cell activation and the subsequent release of cytotoxic granules, leading to the targeted lysis of HPV-positive tumor cells (Kite Pharma, 2018). This therapeutic approach, exemplified by candidates like KITE-439, aims to provide a durable immune response against metastatic or treatment-refractory HPV-associated cancers (ASCO, 2020). Clinical monitoring involves assessing HLA-A*02:01 status and E7 expression, while safety considerations include managing cytokine release syndrome and potential off-target effects (Frontiers in Oncology, 2026).

Other names

HPV16 E7-specific T-cell receptorE7 TCRHPV16 E7-targeted TCRHLA-A*02:01-restricted HPV16 E7 TCR

Adoptive T-cell therapy using T cells engineered to express a TCR that recognizes the HPV16 E7(11-19) peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01, leading to the destruction of HPV-positive tumor cells (NCI Drug Dictionary; Jin et al., 2018).