Ad26.HPV

Ad26.HPV refers to a class of therapeutic vaccine candidates that use a replication-incompetent adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) viral vector to deliver genes encoding the E6 and E7 proteins from high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, such as HPV16 and HPV18. These vaccines are designed for the treatment of persistent HPV infection and HPV-associated precancerous lesions (especially of the cervix) rather than prevention. The Ad26.HPV vaccines work by inducing a strong cellular immune response, particularly cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses, against HPV-infected cells by presenting HPV E6/E7 antigens to the immune system, promoting the clearance of infected or neoplastic cells. Clinical trials have investigated these candidates both as Ad26.HPV16 and Ad26.HPV18, often in a prime-boost regimen that combines Ad26.HPV for priming and a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA)-based HPV vaccine (such as MVA-BN HPV) as a boost. This approach aims to address the unmet need for therapeutic intervention in persistent HPV infections, a primary cause of cervical and other anogenital cancers. The program is a collaboration primarily between Janssen (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) and Bavarian Nordic[2][3][6][7][8].