Human papillomavirus type 31 L1 capsid protein (HPV31 L1)

The Human papillomavirus type 31 L1 capsid protein is the primary structural component of the HPV31 virion, a high-risk genotype associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2023). This protein self-assembles into pentameric capsomeres, which further organize into an icosahedral capsid that protects the viral genome and facilitates entry into host epithelial cells by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (UniProt, P17388). As a major immunogen, the L1 protein is the key component of prophylactic vaccines, such as the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9), where it is expressed as recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) (FDA, 2020). These VLPs elicit a robust humoral immune response, generating neutralizing antibodies that block the virus from infecting the basal layer of the epithelium (PubMed, PMID: 28935231). While highly effective at preventing new infections, targeting the L1 protein does not clear established intracellular infections, as L1 expression is typically downregulated in the later stages of the viral life cycle and during malignant transformation (PubMed, PMID: 16126462). Consequently, its primary clinical utility lies in prevention rather than treatment of existing HPV-related lesions.

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV31 L1L1 protein of HPV type 31HPV-31 L1

Induction of neutralizing antibodies through the presentation of recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the viral capsid, thereby preventing viral entry into host cells (PubMed, PMID: 28935231).