Study of the immunity of a human papillomavirus vaccine candidate

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a circular double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Papovaviridae family. It is the causative agent of one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, known as condyloinata acuminata (i.e. genital warts). Some HPV infections can cause neoplasia and are associated with the development of cervical cancers. The most common cancer-inducing type is HPV16 (associated with 40-60% of cervical tumors). Currently, there is no medical treatment for HPV infection. The objective of this project is to develop a DNA vaccine candidate against HPV16 infection. A plasmid, L1E7hpSCA1, encoding the whole viral capsid protein (L1) and its oncoprotein (E7), was constructed. Mutations were introduced to the E7 gene sequence to reduce its oncogenicity. DNA vaccine was chosen because of its capacity to induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in immunized animals. The constructed L1E7hpSCA1 plasmid was subjected to animal studies. In vitro immunogenicity tests showed that the vaccine candidate was able to raise virus-neutralizing antibodies and to kill the E7-expressing tumor cells (TC-1). Further experimentation involving testing the tumor development in mice will be performed to verify its functional role in preventing and fighting tumor in the animal model.

Date of Award	2003
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology