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Published on: March 8, 2012
Experimental Analysis of HPV16 L1/L2 Chimeric VLP Internalization by Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Aurora Marques Cianciarullo1,2,3, Dirce Sakauchi1,2, Erica Akemi Kavati Sasaki1,2
1Laboratory of Genetics, Butantan Institute, Secretary of Sao Paulo State for Health, 1500 Dr. Vital Brazil Avenue, Sao Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) engage human immune cells. These HPV16 VLPs are internalized by mononuclear cells via CD71 receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is a key cause of cervical and other cancers.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions in HPV16 infection is crucial.
- The cellular mechanisms of HPV16 virus-like particle (VLP) uptake are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between engineered HPV16 L1/L2 chimeric VLPs and human peripheral blood leukocytes.
- To characterize the cellular uptake mechanisms of these HPV16 VLPs.
Main Methods:
- Production of HPV16 L1/L2 chimeric VLPs in HEK 293-F cells.
- Leukocyte phenotyping and VLP internalization assays.
- Confocal microscopy, colocalization studies, and endocytic pathway blockage assays.
Main Results:
- Engineered HPV16 L1/L2 VLPs interacted with and were internalized by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (lymphocytes and monocytes).
- Polymorphonuclear cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) did not interact with the VLPs.
- VLP uptake was mediated by the CD71 transferrin receptor and other endocytic pathways.
Conclusions:
- HPV16 L1/L2 chimeric VLPs are recognized and internalized by human mononuclear cells.
- CD71-mediated endocytosis is a significant pathway for HPV16 VLP uptake.
- These findings enhance understanding of HPV16 VLP-host cell interactions and inform VLP-based vaccine development.
