Human Papillomavirus minor capsid protein L2 (RG1 epitope) (HPV L2 RG1)

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) minor capsid protein L2 is a structural protein essential for the infectious cycle of the virus, facilitating viral entry, endosomal escape, and the transport of the viral genome to the nucleus (UniProt P03105). The RG1 epitope refers to a highly conserved sequence located within the N-terminus of the L2 protein, specifically spanning amino acids 17 to 36 (Gambhira et al., J Virol, 2007). While current HPV vaccines utilize the major capsid protein L1 to induce type-specific immunity, the L2 RG1 epitope is a primary target for next-generation vaccines due to its ability to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against a wide spectrum of HPV types (Schellenbacher et al., J Invest Dermatol, 2009). Research indicates that targeting this epitope can prevent infection from both high-risk oncogenic and low-risk wart-causing HPV strains (Tyler et al., Vaccine, 2014). Consequently, the RG1 epitope is being extensively studied in the context of chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) and peptide-based vaccines to provide universal protection against HPV-related malignancies (NCI, 2023).

Other names

Minor capsid protein L2HPV L2 amino acids 17-36RG1 epitopeL2-RG1HPV16 L2 17-36

Induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies that inhibit viral entry and endosomal escape by targeting the conserved N-terminal region of the L2 protein (Day et al., Cell Host Microbe, 2010).