Human papillomavirus L2 minor capsid protein (HPV L2) (HPV L2)

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) L2 minor capsid protein is a structural protein essential for the infectivity of the virus (UniProt P03107). It works in conjunction with the L1 major capsid protein to encapsulate the viral DNA. During the infection process, L2 facilitates the binding of the virion to the host cell membrane and mediates the subsequent endocytosis (Day et al., 2004, PubMed). A key function of L2 is its role in endosomal escape, where it helps the viral genome exit the endolysosomal compartment and traffic toward the nucleus (Bergant Marušič et al., 2012, PubMed). Because the N-terminal sequence of L2 is highly conserved across different HPV types, it is a major focus for broad-spectrum pan-HPV vaccine development (Tumban et al., 2011, PubMed). Current research aims to overcome the low immunogenicity of L2 by using multivalent displays or fusion proteins to elicit cross-neutralizing antibodies (Jagu et al., 2009, PubMed). Targeting L2 could potentially provide protection against a wider range of HPV types than current L1-based vaccines. In addition to vaccines, L2 is being explored as a target for small molecule inhibitors that block its interaction with host cell trafficking machinery.

Other names

L2 proteinMinor capsid protein L2HPV minor capsid protein

Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved N-terminal epitopes to prevent viral entry and endosomal escape.