Post translational modifications of recombinant human Papillomavirus type 6b major capsid protein

We have determined the post-translational modifications of the major capsid protein, L1 of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6b. Since this virus cannot be cultured in the laboratory to obtain sufficient material for a study, a recombinant L1 protein produced in a vaccinia virus expression system was used in this investigation. Our results show that this protein is phosphory lated at serine residues and is also glycosylated. No myristoylation or pal mitoylation was detected. The fraction of L1 protein incorporated into viru s-like particles was not glycosylated. Since recombinant L1 protein is a po tential human vaccine candidate, knowledge of the post-translation modifica tions of this protein may prove useful for the design of anti-HPV vaccines. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.