Human papillomavirus type 16 L1 major capsid protein (HPV16 L1) (HPV16 L1)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) L1 major capsid protein is the principal structural protein of the HPV16 virion, which is the most oncogenic high-risk HPV type (UniProt P03101). It self-assembles into pentamers (capsomeres) that form the icosahedral capsid, protecting the viral DNA and mediating the initial stages of infection (PubMed: 23073536). The L1 protein facilitates viral binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the basement membrane or cell surface, a prerequisite for viral entry into basal keratinocytes (PubMed: 25911730). Because of its surface exposure and ability to form virus-like particles (VLPs), L1 is the primary antigen used in prophylactic HPV vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix (NIH/NCI). These vaccines elicit a robust humoral immune response, producing neutralizing antibodies that prevent the virus from establishing an infection (WHO). However, L1-targeted vaccines are strictly preventive and do not provide therapeutic benefits for individuals already harboring the virus or suffering from HPV-related lesions (PubMed: 24346122).

Other names

L1 major capsid proteinHPV16 L1 proteinMajor capsid protein L1 [Human papillomavirus type 16]

Prophylactic vaccination using virus-like particles (VLPs) composed of L1 protein induces neutralizing antibodies that bind to the virion surface, preventing viral attachment to the basement membrane and entry into basal keratinocytes.