Human papillomavirus type 6 L1 capsid protein (HPV6 L1)

The Human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV6) L1 capsid protein is the primary structural component of the HPV6 virion, a low-risk genotype primarily associated with benign epithelial lesions (UniProt: P03101). This protein self-assembles into pentameric capsomeres, which further organize into an icosahedral capsid that protects the viral genome and facilitates host cell entry by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the basement membrane (PubMed: 25173123). While HPV6 is not typically oncogenic, it is responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts and is a major cause of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (CDC: HPV Infection). In pharmaceutical development, recombinant HPV6 L1 proteins are used to create virus-like particles (VLPs) that serve as the antigenic component in prophylactic vaccines such as the quadrivalent and nonavalent Gardasil formulations (FDA: Gardasil 9 Label). These vaccines work by eliciting a robust humoral immune response, producing neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment and subsequent infection. Because the L1 protein is highly immunogenic and essential for the viral life cycle, it remains the primary target for preventing HPV-related diseases.

Other names

Major capsid protein L1HPV-6 L1 proteinL1 protein of human papillomavirus type 6Human papillomavirus 6 L1

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that bind to the L1 protein, preventing the virus from attaching to and entering host cells (PubMed: 16448511).