HPV16 E7, E6, and L2 antigens (E7, E6, L2)

HPV16 E6 and E7 are viral oncoproteins encoded in the early region of the HPV16 genome and are directly involved in driving the oncogenic transformation of infected epithelial cells. E6 promotes degradation of the tumor suppressor p53, while E7 inactivates the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), together enabling dysregulation of the cell cycle, inhibition of apoptosis, and malignant transformation. These proteins also facilitate immune evasion of infected cells. L2, in contrast, is a structural capsid protein essential for the viral life cycle, serving as the minor constituent of the HPV virion outer shell and playing a role in genome encapsidation and host cell entry. All three antigens are key targets for therapeutic vaccines aiming to induce robust cellular (cytotoxic T lymphocyte) and antibody-mediated immunity against HPV-induced cancers and persistent HPV infection.

Other names

HPV type 16 E7 proteinE7 oncoproteinHPV type 16 E6 proteinE6 oncoproteinHPV type 16 L2 proteinL2 minor capsid protein

Induction of T-cell-mediated cytolytic responses against HPV-infected/tumor cells expressing E6/E7/L2 antigens; Generation of neutralizing antibodies (mainly L2-based vaccines); Immune system reactivation and antitumor cytotoxicity