Analysis of type-restricted and cross-reactive epitopes on virus-like particles of human papillomavirus type 33 and in infected tissues using monoclonal antibodies to the major capsid protein

A panel of six monoclonal antibodies recognizing at least three different antigenic regions has been raised against the L1 major capsid protein of human papillo-mavirus type 33 (HPV-33), which is associated with cervical carcinoma. The antigenic sites defined by these antibodies have been mapped and classified as type-restricted or broadly cross-reactive using bacterially expressed L1 fusion proteins of a variety of HPV types. Conformational and linear epitopes have been distinguished using native and denatured virus-like particles. HPV infection of genital lesions has been analysed using both monoclonal antibodies and DNA amplification by PCR. The antibodies obtained should be useful to pr…