Human papillomavirus type 52 L1 protein (HPV52 L1)

Human papillomavirus type 52 (HPV52) L1 protein is the major structural component of the viral capsid and serves as the primary target for prophylactic vaccines (UniProt P36765). This protein spontaneously self-assembles into virus-like particles (VLPs) that display complex conformational epitopes, which are essential for inducing high titers of neutralizing antibodies (PubMed 37981617). These antibodies prevent viral infection by blocking the attachment and entry of the virus into host basal keratinocytes (PubMed 38013021). HPV52 is a high-risk oncogenic genotype particularly prevalent in Asian populations and is strongly associated with the development of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers (PubMed 37981617). The 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) incorporates recombinant HPV52 L1 VLPs to provide protection against this specific type (FDA Gardasil 9). Therapeutic strategies focusing on these conformational epitopes aim to elicit a robust humoral immune response that mimics natural infection without the risk of viral replication or oncogenesis. Monitoring of anti-L1 antibody levels serves as a key biomarker for assessing vaccine efficacy and long-term immunity.

Other names

HPV52 L1Major capsid protein L1HPV52 L1 VLPHuman papillomavirus 52 L1HPV52 L1 conformational epitopes

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that bind to conformational epitopes on the L1 protein, preventing viral attachment and entry into host cells.