Human papillomavirus type 31 L1 protein

The Human papillomavirus type 31 (HPV31) L1 protein is the major capsid protein of HPV31, a member of the Papillomaviridae family. It plays a central role in forming the viral capsid and is essential for virus infectivity, immunogenicity, and vaccine development. Recombinant expression of L1 leads to spontaneous assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs), which mimic native virions but lack genetic material. These VLPs are highly immunogenic and form the basis for prophylactic vaccines targeting multiple oncogenic HPVs including type 31. Vaccines based on L1 induce neutralizing antibodies that prevent infection by blocking initial attachment or entry steps.

L1 protein is the antigen in prophylactic HPV vaccines, inducing neutralizing antibodies that prevent viral infection by blocking attachment or entry.