Immunogenic hpv l2-containing vlps and related compositions, constructs, and therapeutic methods

Abstract

The invention provides immunotherapeutic and prophylactic bacteriophage viral-like particle (VLPs) which are useful in the treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related disorders, including cervical cancer and persistent infections associated with HPV. Related compositions (e.g. vaccines), nucleic acid constructs, and therapeutic methods are also provided. VLPs and related compositions of the invention induce high titer antibody responses against HPV L2 and protect against HPV challenge in vivo. VLPs, VLP-containing compositions, and therapeutic methods of the invention induce an immunogenic response against HPV infection, confer immunity against HPV infection, protect against HPV infection, and reduce the likelihood of infection by HPV infection.

1 - 107 . (canceled) 
     
     
         108 . A RNA bacteriophage particle comprising a RNA bacteriophage single chain coat polypeptide dimer having a heterologous peptide displayed on the surface of the particle, the heterologous peptide comprising an immunogenic peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence corresponding to amino acids 17-31 of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16 L2 protein. 
     
     
         109 . The RNA bacteriophage particle of  claim 108 , wherein heterologous peptide comprises two immunogenic HPV peptides. 
     
     
         110 . The RNA bacteriophage particle of  claim 109 , wherein the two immunogenic HPV peptides are from different HPV strains. 
     
     
         111 . The RNA bacteriophage particle of  claim 108 , wherein the immunogenic peptide is from HPV1, HPV5, HPV8, HPV31, HPV35, HPV33, HPV58, HPV52, HPV73, HPV6, HPV11, HPV18, HPV45, HPV39, HPV68, HPV59, HPV51, HPV56, HPV66, or HPV2. 
     
     
         112 . An immunogenic composition comprising an RNA bacteriophage particle of  claim 108 . 
     
     
         113 . A method for inducing an immune response to HPV in a subject comprising administering to the subject an RNA bacteriophage particle of  claim 108 , wherein the composition induces an immunogenic response in the subject to HPV.