Recombinant HPV16 L1/Major capsid protein L1 Protein, N-GST & C-His

Description of Recombinant HPV16 L1/Major capsid protein L1 Protein, N-GST & C-His

Recombinant HPV16 L1/Major capsid protein L1 Protein: Structure, Activity, and Application

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various types of cancers, including cervical cancer. HPV16 is one of the most prevalent types of HPV and is responsible for approximately 50% of cervical cancer cases. The major capsid protein L1 of HPV16 is a key component of the virus and plays an essential role in its structure and function. Recombinant HPV16 L1/Major capsid protein L1 protein is a synthetic form of this protein that has been produced for various scientific and medical purposes.

Structure

The HPV16 L1 protein is composed of 2,604 amino acids and forms 72 pentamers that make up the viral capsid. These pentamers interact to form a spherical structure with a diameter of approximately 55 nanometers. The protein has five domains, with the N-terminal domain being the most conserved among different HPV types. The C-terminal domain is more variable and contains the antigenic sites responsible for inducing protective immune response against the virus. Recombinant HPV16 L1 protein is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the gene encoding the protein is inserted into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce large quantities of the protein.

Activity

The primary function of the HPV16 L1 protein is to form the capsid structure of the virus, which protects its genetic material and aids in its entry into host cells. However, recombinant HPV16 L1 protein has also been shown to have immunogenic properties. Studies have demonstrated that the protein can induce a strong immune response in animals and humans, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies against HPV16. This is due to the presence of the antigenic sites on the C-terminal domain of the protein. Recombinant HPV16 L1 protein has been used to develop prophylactic vaccines against HPV16, which have been proven to be highly effective in preventing HPV infections and associated diseases.

Application

The most significant application of recombinant HPV16 L1 protein is in the development of vaccines against HPV16. The first licensed vaccine, Gardasil, contains recombinant L1 proteins from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HPV infections and related diseases, such as cervical, vulvar, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts. Another vaccine, Cervarix, contains only recombinant L1 proteins from HPV types 16 and 18 and is also highly effective in preventing HPV infections. Recombinant HPV16 L1 protein has also been used in diagnostic tests for HPV, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), to detect the presence of HPV antibodies in patient samples.

Conclusion

Recombinant HPV16 L1/Major capsid protein L1 protein is a synthetic form of the major capsid protein of HPV16, a common sexually transmitted virus that can lead to various types of cancers. The protein has a unique structure and has been shown to have immunogenic properties, making it an essential component in the development of prophylactic vaccines against HPV16. Its use in vaccines has been proven to be highly effective in preventing HPV infections and associated diseases. Further research and development of recombinant HPV16 L1 protein may lead to the development of more effective vaccines and diagnostic tools for HPV-related diseases.