Mouse Anti-HPV6 L1 Monoclonal antibody, clone 2642

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of highly contagious double-stranded DNA viruses that spread largely through cutaneous and sexual contact. HPV is classed as high-risk or low-risk based on its pathogenicity and infection site. Human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV 6) is a low-risk HPV that was initially isolated from genital warts (GWs), also known as anal-genital warts or condylomata acuminata, in 1981. The viral particles are around 55 nanometers in diameter and covered in a protein shell. The L1 protein is the primary outer shell protein of HPV 6 virions, responsible for the viral shell's production and stability. L1 protein is also thought to play an important role in viral infection, mediating the virus's entry into host cells as well as its assembly and release throughout the viral life cycle. The HPV life cycle begins when the virus enters host cells via wounds or micro-abrasions in the basal layer of the epithelium. The L1 protein binds to laminin in the basement membrane first, then undergoes a sequence of conformational changes that allow it to bind to epithelial cell surfaces. Ultimately, the virus is ingested by endocytosis. Once inside, the viral DNA is released into the nucleus and leverages the host cell's replication and transcription machinery to generate many viral genomes and structural proteins, resulting in the formation of new viral particles. During epithelial cell differentiation, these particles are discharged into the environment, bringing the viral life cycle to an end.

Figure 1. Schematic of the HPV Life Cycle (Source: Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska B, et al., 2024)

When infected, HPV 6 often produces skin or mucous membrane lesions, with genital warts being the most prevalent manifestation, which appear as tiny, soft, flesh-colored, or grayish-white growths in the genital or surrounding areas. Some infected people may have mild or severe itching in the genital area, while others may experience odd odors or irregular urine symptoms linked with genital warts. During the initial stages of infection, the host's immune system works to recognize and eliminate the virus. Many infected people are asymptomatic and may be unaware they are infected, yet they can still transmit the virus to others. In some circumstances, particularly when the immune system is impaired, HPV 6 infection can result in persistent lesions. As a result, protecting oneself during sexual activity and getting frequent screenings are critical for avoiding and managing HPV infection. Furthermore, HPV 6 infection is linked to more serious disease states, such as cervical and genital tract malignancies, however, this is uncommon.

Currently, HPV 6 and its L1 protein have significant potential in vaccine and therapeutic research. As the main capsid protein of HPV 6, L1 can self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) used in vaccine development. HPV vaccines (such as Gardasil and Cervarix) containing L1 protein VLPs effectively stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies, thereby preventing HPV infection and related diseases. Moreover, researchers are exploring the use of L1 protein as part of therapeutic strategies, attempting to leverage its role as a component of vaccines to treat HPV-related diseases, particularly in the context of high-risk HPV infections and cancer research.

Mouse anti-HPV6 L1 mAb, Clone 2642
Mouse Monoclonal Antibody against HPV6 L1, Clone 2642
Anti-HPV6 L1 mAb, Clone 2642