Human papillomavirus particle (HPV particle)

The **human papillomavirus (HPV) particle** is the complete virion structure of HPV, a small, non-enveloped, icosahedral DNA virus (diameter 50–60 nm) containing a circular double-stranded genome of ~8000 base pairs[1][2][3][4][5]. The capsid is composed of 72 pentameric capsomeres of the major structural protein L1 (360 copies per virion) with incorporation of the minor protein L2 (number varies), forming a T=7 icosahedral symmetry[1][2][3][4]. HPV particles infect epithelial cells and deliver their DNA to the host nucleus, where viral oncogenes such as E6 and E7 can disrupt cell cycle regulation, contributing to malignancy—especially in high-risk HPV types[1][2][6]. Prophylactic vaccines consist of virus-like particles (VLPs) made from recombinant L1 protein, which mimic the virus sufficiently to elicit a protective immune response, but contain no viral DNA[1][2][7]. The native virus particle itself is not a therapeutic target in the sense of a receptor, enzyme, or host molecule, and therefore does not meet the definition of a druggable or therapeutic "target"[1][2]. There are no small-molecule drugs that inhibit the virus particle directly; instead, treatments and preventions target infection or the host immune response.

Other names

Human papillomavirus virionHPV virionHPV particleHuman papillomavirus viral particle

Not applicable (HPV particle is the intact virus; preventive vaccines induce antibodies targeting the L1 protein on the viral capsid, not the virus particle itself)[1][2][3].