TEM image of the papilloma virus L1 capsid proteins. The sample is prepared by Dr. Charles Humphrey, CDC in Atlanta, GA and imaged by Dr. Guichuan Hou. A public health message from Dr. Humphrey about the papilloma virus L1 capsid proteins: “each 40 to 60nm particle in the image is made up of L1 capsid proteins that subsequently form the papilloma virus capsid shell. We call the particles Virus-like-Particles or VLPs since they are not actual viruses. The combined L1 proteins are derived from papilloma viruses known to be associated with cervical cancer. Two vaccines currently marketed are designed to protect against papilloma virus types known to be associated with cervical and mouth/throat cancer. One of the available vaccines is divalent (contains L1 protein of 2 papilloma virus types). The other vaccine is quadrivalent (contains L1 protein of 4 papilloma virus types). Each of the vaccines can reduce the potential for cervical cancer in females as well as mouth/throat cancer in males and females. I encourage young people, both male and female to receive either of the vaccines as a preventative measure against potential exposure.”
Papilloma virus L1 capsid proteins
Papilloma virus L1 capsid proteins