Prospects for new human papillomavirus vaccines

Area of Science:

• Vaccinology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Current prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines are highly effective but cover limited HPV types, are expensive, and require injection.
• Existing vaccines protect against only two of 15 oncogenic genital HPV types, necessitating broader-spectrum alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of next-generation HPV vaccines addressing limitations of current L1 VLP vaccines.
• To explore novel vaccine strategies offering broader, more accessible, and durable protection against oncogenic HPV types.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trial data and mechanistic studies on second-generation HPV vaccine candidates.
• Analysis of non-VLP approaches including L1 capsomers, L2 proteins, and peptides with adjuvants.

Main Results:

• Second-generation vaccines, including polyvalent VLP and non-VLP approaches, are in development.
• L1 capsomers, L2 proteins, and peptides show promise for broad, long-term mucosal immunity.
• New data on viral entry mechanisms support the rationale for these novel vaccine strategies.

Conclusions:

• Second-generation HPV vaccines demonstrate immunogenicity and potential for broad protection.
• Many novel candidates are in early clinical trials or not yet in trials.
• Current L1 VLP vaccines are expected to remain the primary prophylactic option for the next decade.