Human Papilloma Virus L1 protein (HPV L1)

The Human Papilloma Virus L1 protein is the major capsid protein of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), forming the primary structural framework of the non-enveloped icosahedral virion. It plays a critical role in the initial stages of infection by mediating viral attachment to host cell surface receptors, specifically heparan sulfate proteoglycans, on basal layer keratinocytes. The L1 protein possesses a unique ability to spontaneously self-assemble into highly immunogenic, non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed recombinantly. This property is exploited in the development of prophylactic vaccines, which induce the production of neutralizing antibodies that prevent viral entry and subsequent infection. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, largely characterized by their specific L1 sequences, is the primary cause of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, while low-risk types cause genital warts.

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV major capsid proteinMCPLate protein L1

Induction of neutralizing antibodies against the L1 protein to prevent viral attachment and entry into host cells.