Human papillomavirus type 18 L1 capsid protein (HPV18 L1)

The Human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) L1 capsid protein is the primary structural component of the HPV18 virion, a high-risk genotype responsible for approximately 15-20% of cervical cancer cases worldwide (PubMed: 17569673). This protein spontaneously assembles into pentameric capsomeres that form icosahedral virus-like particles (VLPs), which are used as the basis for prophylactic vaccines (UniProt: P06794). The L1 protein mediates viral entry by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the basement membrane or host cell surface (PubMed: 21994771). In clinical practice, recombinant HPV18 L1 VLPs are the active components in vaccines like Gardasil 9 and Cervarix, which induce neutralizing antibodies to prevent infection (NIH: National Cancer Institute). These vaccines are highly effective at preventing HPV18-related malignancies but lack therapeutic efficacy against pre-existing infections or established lesions where L1 expression is often lost (StatPearls: HPV Vaccination). The protein is also a target for diagnostic assays used to screen for viral presence in clinical samples.

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV-18 L1L1 protein of HPV18Capsid protein L1

Induction of neutralizing antibodies via virus-like particles (VLPs) to prevent viral attachment and entry into host cells.