[Prediction of B cell epitopes of human papillomavirus type 16 L1 protein]

To predict the B cell epitopes of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) L1 protein.

After fetching the sequence of HPV-16 L1 from the protein data bank of NCBI, we used Protean software of DNAStar package to analyze the secondary structures, flexibility, hydrophilicity, surface accessibility and antigenicity of the protein. Then average antigen index (AI) of dominant regions was calculated using Wu Yuzhang's method. The potential B cell epitopes of HPV-16 L1 were predicted based on a comprehensive consideration of the above parameters. Finally, the homologies of the epitopes were analyzed with BLAST online.

The B cell epitopes of HPV-16 L1 might exist at amino acids NO. 51-58, 87-97, 214-220, 290-296, 335-341, 351-366, 408-418, 430-442 and 475-496. Analysis of homologies indicated that the dominant B cell epitopes of the HPV-16 L1 protein might present at amino acids NO. 51-58, 335-341, 351-366, 408-418, 430-442 and 475-496. The sequences, such as 51(PIKKPNNN)58, 351(SETTYKNTNFKEYLRH)366, 408(PPPGGTLEDTY)418 and 430(KHTPPAPKEDPLK)442, were unique to HPV-16 L1, while amino acids 475(KAKPKFTLGKRKATPTTSSTST)496 were identical to amino acids in HPV-16 E1, and the amino acids 335(DTTRSTN)341 were identical to amino acids in other types of HPV L1.

The B cell epitopes of HPV-16 L1 were predicted using multiple schemes. The results will provide a foundation for the further study and development of broadly protective HPV-16 vaccines.