IMMUNOGENIC HPV L2-CONTAINING VLPS AND RELATED COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS

摘要

In one aspect, the invention provides immunogenic HPV L2-containing viral-like particles (VLPs). Related compositions (e.g. vaccines), nucleic acid constructs, and therapeutic methods are also provided. In certain aspects, the VLPs are comprised of a coat polypeptide of the bacteriophages PP7 or MS2, wherein the coat protein is modified by insertion of peptide antigens derived from HPV L2, and wherein the HPV L2 peptide is displayed on the VLP and encapsidates PP7 or MS2 mRNA. Specifically, VLPs of the invention display L2 peptides at the N- terminus of the bacteriophage coat protein. Surprisingly, these L2-displaying VLPs induce more broadly neutralizing antibody responses than when the same peptide is displayed in the AB-loop such that the immunogenic response is enhanced by a factor of at least 10. Immunogenic VLPs and related compositions of the invention induce high titer antibody responses against HPV L2 and protect against HPV challenge in vivo.