Recombinant proteins of HPV16 capsid expressed in 293-F cells cultured in suspension and serum free medium for vaccine development

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Cervical cancer is the most serious consequence of infection by human papillomavirus (HPV), constituting one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, and a fact that points to a major challenge to global public health. The prophylactic vaccination on a large scale would be an alternative to reducing cervical cancer rates, making it essential to search for new vaccine strategies. Current vaccines are based on virus-like particles (VLPs) of the major virus capsid protein L1, with effective protection against specific types, but with a limited cross-protection against other HPV types. The vaccine proposal is to use the L2 protein, which contains highly conserved sequences for a broader protection against different types of HPVs.