Diversity of human papillomavirus-16 L1 in the Asian region: A comparative analysis of sequences

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of several cancers, with types 16 and 18 classified as high-risk. This study investigates the L1 capsid protein of HPV16, a crucial target for Food Drug and Administration-approved vaccines, by analyzing its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences to identify phylogenetic relationships, sequence variations, and conserved functional elements. The study utilizes sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information virus database to assess geographical clustering and evolutionary trends. Key regions, including structural loops, nuclear localization signals, and viral attachment sites, were examined for variability. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated distinct clustering patterns, particularly among sequences from Japan and Pakistan, indicating potential regional influences on HPV-16 evolution. Despite observed sequence variability, critical residues essential for viral entry remained conserved, suggesting evolutionary constraints on functionally significant domains. These findings offer insights into HPV-16 diversity in Asia and highlight the importance of continuous genomic surveillance for vaccine development and epidemiological assessments.