L2, the minor capsid protein of papillomavirus

Journal Article · Tue Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 2013 · Virology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.VIROL.2013.04.017· OSTI ID:22436654

Wang, Joshua W. ^[1]

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1. Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287 (United States)

The capsid protein L2 plays major roles in both papillomavirus assembly and the infectious process. While L1 forms the majority of the capsid and can self-assemble into empty virus-like particles (VLPs), L2 is a minor capsid component and lacks the capacity to form VLPs. However, L2 co-assembles with L1 into VLPs, enhancing their assembly. L2 also facilitates encapsidation of the ∼8 kbp circular and nucleosome-bound viral genome during assembly of the non-enveloped T=7d virions in the nucleus of terminally differentiated epithelial cells, although, like L1, L2 is not detectably expressed in infected basal cells. With respect to infection, L2 is not required for particles to bind to and enter cells. However L2 must be cleaved by furin for endosome escape. L2 then travels with the viral genome to the nucleus, wherein it accumulates at ND-10 domains. Here, we provide an overview of the biology of L2. - Highlights: • L2 is the minor antigen of the non-enveloped T=7d icosahedral Papillomavirus capsid. • L2 is a nuclear protein that can traffic to ND-10 and facilitate genome encapsidation. • L2 is critical for infection and must be cleaved by furin. • L2 is a broadly protective vaccine antigen recognized by neutralizing antibodies.

• OSTI ID: 22436654
• Journal Information: Virology, Journal Name: Virology Journal Issue: 1-2 Vol. 445; ISSN VIRLAX; ISSN 0042-6822
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ANTIBODIES
ANTIGENS
BIOLOGY
CELL NUCLEI
PARTICLES
PROTEINS
VACCINES
VIRUSES