Human papillomavirus type 58 L1 capsid protein (HPV-58 L1)

The Human Papillomavirus type 58 (HPV-58) L1 capsid protein is the major structural component of the HPV-58 virion, forming an icosahedral shell composed of 72 pentameric capsomeres [5, 10]. This protein is essential for the viral life cycle, mediating initial attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the surface of basal layer keratinocytes, which triggers conformational changes necessary for internalization [5, 15, 22]. HPV-58 is a high-risk genotype that is significantly associated with the development of cervical cancer and other anogenital malignancies, with a notably high prevalence in East Asian populations [7, 8, 12]. In the pharmaceutical field, the L1 protein is the primary target for prophylactic vaccines, where it is produced as recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) [2, 11]. These VLPs are non-infectious but highly immunogenic, stimulating the production of neutralizing antibodies that block viral entry [1, 6]. While the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) provides broad protection against HPV-58, it is prophylactic rather than therapeutic, meaning it does not treat existing infections [3, 11].

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV58 L1Late protein L1L1 protein of HPV type 58

The vaccine induces a humoral immune response, resulting in the production of neutralizing antibodies that bind to the L1 capsid protein on the surface of the virus, thereby preventing viral attachment to host cell receptors and subsequent entry [1, 3, 11].