SYNTHESIS, PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF PAPILLOMAVIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES

Papillomavirus-like particles can be obtained by expression of the maj or capsid protein L1 alone or by coexpression with the minor capsid pr otein L2 in various systems. Virus-like particles (VPLs) and virions h ave very similar capsid structures. Immunization with VLPs yields anti bodies neutralizing virions in vitro. Vaccination of animals with VLPs has been shown to protect against viral challenge. VLPs of human papi llomavirus (HPV) are therefore the most promising vaccine candidate to prevent infections with HPVs associated with cervical cancer, the mos t frequent carcinoma in women worldwide.