Technology Description
JHU scientists generated a hybridoma expressing a monoclonal antibody, RG-1, that binds to highly conserved L2 residues and neutralizes human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) and HPV18. Passive immunotherapy with RG-1 was protective in mice. Antiserum to the HPV16 L2 peptide comprising conserved residues neutralized pseudoviruses HPV5, HPV6, HPV16, HPV 18, HPV31, HPV 45, HPV 52, HPV 58, bovine papillomavirus 1, and HPV11 native virions. Depletion of HPV16 L2 antibodies from cross-neutralizing rabbit and human L2-specific sera abolished cross-neutralization and drastically reduced neutralization of the cognate type. This cross-neutralization of diverse HPVs associated with cervical cancer, genital warts, and epidermodysplasia verruciformis suggests the possibility of a broadly protective, peptide-based vaccine.
Stage of Development
Hybridoma available for licensing as a tangible material for use of the expressed antibodies in research.
Publication
J Virol. 2007 Dec;81(24):13927-31.