Human papillomavirus type 16 minor capsid protein L2 (HPV16 L2)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) minor capsid protein L2 is a structural protein essential for the infectious entry of the virus into host cells. While the major capsid protein L1 forms the outer shell of the virus, L2 is partially hidden within the capsid and becomes exposed during the entry process, where it facilitates endosomal escape and the transport of the viral genome to the host cell nucleus (UniProt: P03107). Because L2 contains highly conserved epitopes across diverse HPV types, it is a primary target for the development of next-generation, broad-spectrum vaccines intended to provide cross-protection against multiple high-risk HPV strains (PubMed: 28934447). Current research focuses on using L2-based antigens, such as the RG1 epitope, to elicit potent neutralizing antibodies that can prevent infection and the subsequent development of HPV-associated malignancies, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers (NIH: PMC5584486). Unlike L1-based vaccines, L2-targeted therapies aim to overcome the type-specific limitations of existing immunizations, though L2's lower natural immunogenicity remains a significant challenge in drug design (PubMed: 30104355).

Other names

Minor capsid protein L2L2 proteinHPV16 L2 capsid protein

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that block viral entry, specifically by preventing endosomal escape and the retrograde transport of the viral genome to the nucleus (PubMed: 28934447).