Major capsid protein L1 of human papillomavirus type 6 (L1)

The major capsid protein L1 of human papillomavirus type 6 is the principal structural protein forming the icosahedral capsid (~50 nm diameter) of the virus. The L1 protein self-assembles into pentamers, with 72 pentamers making up the mature capsid. Its primary biological job is to encapsidate the viral genome and mediate initial binding to host cell surface receptors, such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans, initiating infection. L1 elicits a potent neutralizing antibody response and is the major antigen targeted in prophylactic HPV vaccines. Detection of L1 or antibodies to L1 is used as a biomarker for infection or vaccine-induced immunity. Therapeutically, it is only a target in the context of vaccines, not direct antiviral drugs. HPV type 6 is mainly associated with benign conditions like genital warts rather than cancer.

Other names

HPV6 L1L1 major capsid proteinHPVL1 proteinHuman papillomavirus 6 L1 protein

Vaccine-induced antibodies bind to L1 protein on HPV6 capsids, blocking virus binding to host cells and preventing infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent L1-mediated interaction with cell surface receptors.