Human papillomavirus virion (HPV virion)

The Human papillomavirus virion is the complete infectious particle of human papillomavirus, a small (50–60 nm), non-enveloped virus with an icosahedral capsid composed of 360 molecules of the L1 protein organized into 72 pentameric capsomeres, together with a variable number of L2 proteins. Its circular double-stranded DNA genome (~8000 base pairs) is contained within the capsid. The virion infects basal epithelial cells—primarily through micro-abrasions—and begins its replication cycle within keratinocytes. While the intact virion is responsible for transmission and infection, molecular targeting in medicine universally focuses on viral proteins such as L1 (for vaccines), or E6/E7 (for oncology). The intact HPV virion is not a specific molecular target for drugs or diagnostics, but its presence forms the basis for screening, prevention, and disease classification[1][3][4][6].

Other names

Human papillomavirus particleHPV particleHPV virionPapillomavirus virion

Vaccination: Induces neutralizing antibodies against the L1 protein on the virion surface, preventing entry and subsequent infection Oncoprotein inhibition: Some investigational approaches inhibit E6/E7, restoring p53/pRb function to block oncogenesis No drugs are known to bind or inactivate the intact virion directly.