Production and characterization of a novel HPV anti-L2 monoclonal antibody panel

The major capsid protein of HPV, L1, assembles into pentamers that form a T = 7 icosahedral particle, but the location of the co-assembled minor capsid protein, L2, remains controversial. Several researchers have developed useful monoclonal antibodies targeting L2, but most react with linear epitopes toward the N-terminus. As a means to better define the virus capsid and better assess the localization and exposure of L2 epitopes in the context of assembled HPV, we have developed a panel of 30 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which target the N-terminus of L2 amino acids 11–200, previously defined as a broadly protective immunogen. Select mAbs were processed with enzymes and anti-L2 Fabs were generated. These new mAb/Fab probes will be beneficial in future studies to unravel the placement of L2 and to help better define the role of L2 in the HPV lifecycle and the nature of the broadly protective epitopes.