Isolation and cloning of human papillomavirus 16 L1 gene from Iranian isolate

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and construct cloning and expression vectors containing human papillomavirus (HPV16-L1) gene as target for application as recombinant vaccine.

METHODS: The study was performed in 2007 in Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Four genital specimens DNAs were amplified with the use of HPV type-specific primers based on HPV-16 L1, E6, and E7 genes. The polymerase chain reaction products were cloned into suitable cloning and expression vectors and were confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing.

RESULTS: The desired plasmids were sequenced and indicated 99% homology with those submitted full length L1 sequences in the GenBank.

CONCLUSION: The results showed that there was 99% homology between our product and those mentioned in the GenBank. Nowadays empty viral capsids, termed virus-like particles, are synthesized with the use of microbial or cellular expression systems. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Iranian HPV16 full length L1 sequence is very similar to the other sequences in the GenBank and it can be used as a candidate gene in prophylactic vaccine for cervical cancer.