Major capsid protein L1, HPV18 (HPV16 L1)

Human Papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) is a virus that belongs to the papillomavirus family and is one of the common high-risk HPV types. HPV18 is the second most common viral type causing cervical cancer after HPV16, with HPV18 infections accounting for approximately 12% of global cervical squamous cell carcinomas and 37% of adenocarcinomas. The Human Papillomavirus type 18 L1 protein (HPV18 L1) is the primary capsid protein of HPV18 and plays a crucial role in the formation of viral particles. The HPV18 L1 proteins assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) can elicit an immune response in the body, producing neutralizing antibodies. These neutralizing antibodies help to prevent HPV18 infections. Some of the HPV vaccines currently on the market contain HPV18 L1 antigens for the prevention of infections and related diseases caused by HPV18.