Human papillomavirus type 58 L1 protein (HPV58 L1)

The Human papillomavirus type 58 (HPV58) L1 protein is the primary structural component of the viral capsid, self-assembling into an icosahedral shell that encapsulates the viral DNA [UniProt P26538]. It is essential for the viral life cycle, mediating the initial attachment to host cell heparan sulfate proteoglycans and subsequent internalization [PubMed: 25103053]. HPV58 is recognized as a high-risk genotype particularly prevalent in East Asia, where it is strongly associated with cervical cancer and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions [PubMed: 24506308]. In the context of pharmacology, the L1 protein is the key antigen in the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9), which uses recombinant L1 virus-like particles (VLPs) to elicit protective immunity [FDA: Gardasil 9 Label]. These vaccines work by inducing high titers of neutralizing antibodies that prevent the virus from establishing an infection in the basal layer of the epithelium. However, because L1 expression is lost in the later stages of the viral life cycle and during malignant transformation, L1-targeted therapies are strictly prophylactic and do not treat pre-existing HPV-related diseases [NCBI: NBK562186].

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV-58 L1L1 protein of HPV type 58L1 protein, human papillomavirus type 58

The L1 protein is used to produce recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the viral structure without containing infectious DNA. Prophylactic vaccination with these VLPs induces the production of high-affinity, type-specific neutralizing antibodies that bind to the L1 protein on the surface of the virion, thereby blocking viral attachment and entry into host basal epithelial cells [FDA: Gardasil 9 Label; PubMed: 25103053].