Human papillomavirus type 52 major capsid protein L1 (HPV52 L1)

The Human papillomavirus type 52 major capsid protein L1 is the primary structural component of the HPV-52 virion, a high-risk genotype significantly associated with cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers. This protein has the unique ability to self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) that are morphologically and immunologically similar to the native virus but lack infectious genetic material. In the viral life cycle, L1 mediates the initial attachment to host cell heparan sulfate proteoglycans and facilitates viral entry via endocytosis. As a therapeutic target, HPV-52 L1 is a critical component of the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9). Vaccination with L1 VLPs induces a robust humoral immune response, producing neutralizing antibodies that block the virus from infecting basal keratinocytes. This prophylactic approach effectively prevents persistent HPV-52 infection and the development of associated premalignant lesions and carcinomas.

Other names

HPV52 L1 proteinMajor capsid protein L1L1 proteinHPV-52 L1

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that bind to the L1 protein on the virion surface, preventing viral attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and subsequent entry into host basal keratinocytes.