Nicotiana Benthamiana Expression of Novel HPV L2 and HBV Fusion Antigens
Lopker, Mike1,2; Huang, Zhong2; and Mason, Hugh2
1School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University; 2Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University
Cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women and human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to over 99% of all cervical cancers. Thus, if an effective vaccine for HPV can be created a significant source of female morbidity and mortality can be eliminated. By using the core antigen from Hepatitis B (HBV) as a scaffold for the presentation of HPV antigens we have been able to create a novel virus like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate for HPV. A VLP is recognized by the immune system more efficiently and causes a more robust immune response. A plant expression system for the vaccine candidate provides an easily scalable, economical, and safe method of production. Plants generally do not harbor animal pathogens or prions and are able to perform eukaryotic post-translational modifications.