Genetic Variability and Prediction of T Epitopes of the HPV16 E2 Gene in Asymptomatic Women from Cajamarca, Peru.

BACKGROUND

The HPV16 E2 gene plays a crucial role in viral replication and oncogene regulation. This study aimed to assess the genetic variability of the E2 gene and to identify immunogenic epitopes of the E2 protein.

METHODS

The E2 gene was amplified and sequenced. T-cell epitope prediction and evaluation were performed using IEDB, NetMHCpan v4.0, NetMHCIIpan v4.1, VaxiJen, ToxNet, and pLM4Alg.

RESULTS

Phylogenetic analysis of 47 E2 sequences demonstrated co-circulation of the D (n = 4) and A (n = 43) HPV16 lineages in Cajamarca. Twenty-eight Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) were identified in E2, 21 of which were nonsynonymous. Seventeen variations were associated with positive Papanicolaou (Pap) test results. Epitope prediction identified 2 MHC class I and 27 MHC class II epitopes classified as potentially antigenic, non-toxic, and non-allergenic, with an overall global population coverage across both MHC classes of 99.78%.

CONCLUSIONS

The A HPV16 lineage predominated among the women studied. The identified SNPs indicate substantial variability in the E2 gene and a relationship with endocervical lesions. In total, 29 E2-derived T-cell epitopes with immunogenic potential were identified.