Human papillomavirus L1 capsid protein (types 6, 11, 16, 18) (HPV L1 (6, 11, 16, 18))

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 capsid protein is the primary structural component of the HPV virion, forming an icosahedral shell that protects the viral genome (UniProt, 2023; NIH, 2012). It is essential for the viral life cycle, mediating initial attachment to host cell heparan sulfate proteoglycans and facilitating viral entry via endocytosis (UniProt, 2023; NIH, 2011). HPV types 16 and 18 are classified as high-risk types, responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers and various other anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies (Wikipedia, 2024; NIH, 2020). In contrast, types 6 and 11 are low-risk types that cause the majority of genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (Wikipedia, 2024; EMA, 2006). Recombinant L1 proteins can self-assemble into non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) that serve as the active antigens in prophylactic vaccines like Gardasil (Wikipedia, 2024; Seqirus, 2023). These vaccines induce a robust humoral immune response, generating neutralizing antibodies that block viral infection of basal epithelial cells, thereby preventing the development of HPV-associated lesions and cancers (ClinicalTrials.eu, 2021; EMA, 2015). While highly effective as a preventative measure, these L1-targeted vaccines do not provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with established HPV infections or related diseases (EMA, 2006; CDC, 2024).

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV6 L1HPV11 L1HPV16 L1HPV18 L1Virus-like particlesVLPL1 protein

Induction of neutralizing antibodies (humoral immunity) against the L1 protein, which prevents the virus from binding to host cell receptors and entering basal epithelial cells.