An mRNA-encoded scFv antibody targeting the helix-α3 of HPV18 E7 oncoprotein as a novel antiviral strategy

TL;DR

Researchers developed a new antiviral strategy using an mRNA-encoded antibody that targets a specific part of the HPV18 E7 protein to inhibit cancer growth.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel antiviral epitope on HPV18 E7 and demonstrates an mRNA-based delivery system for intracellular antibody therapy.

Findings

The α3 helix of HPV18 E7 and its adjacent groove were identified as a novel antiviral epitope.

The antibody 17F2 inhibited cell proliferation and tumor formation in HPV18-positive HeLa cells.

mRNA-encoded scFv antibodies significantly inhibited tumor growth in immunodeficient mouse models.

Abstract

Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains the leading viral cause of cancer worldwide. The HPV E7 oncoprotein is a key factor in cancer progression by degrading host tumor suppressor proteins, thus offering a promising target for antiviral therapy. In this study, we screened a panel of high-affinity antibodies against HPV18 E7. Through evaluation of their cytotoxic effects in HPV18-positive HeLa cells, incorporating the structure of antibodies and the structural simulation of complexes, we identified the α3 helix of the HPV18 E7 protein and its adjacent groove as a novel and effective antiviral epitope. The candidate antibody 17F2 showed efficacy in inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor formation when transfected into HeLa cells as a single-chain variable fragment (scFv). To directly assess the efficacy of the antibody and enhance the accessibility of antibody drugs, we employed an mRNA platform for scFv delivery. This approach significantly inhibited the growth of HPV18-positive tumors in the immunodeficient mouse models. Our study identifies the α3 helix of HPV18 E7 as a viable antiviral target and provides proof of concept for mRNA-encoded scFv antibodies as a novel and effective strategy to neutralize viral oncoproteins in the treatment of HPV-related cancers.

The development of effective therapeutics against human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers remains an urgent medical priority. While therapeutic vaccines depend on the host immune response, their efficacy can be limited in immunocompromised individuals. In contrast, antibody-based therapies that directly target viral oncoproteins represent a promising alternative with a more immediate mechanism. In this study, we identified and characterized a potent therapeutic antibody against HPV18 E7 and uncovered an unrecognized targeting epitope within this viral oncoprotein. Moreover, we addressed a major limitation of conventional antibody therapies—their inability to efficiently target intracellular proteins—by employing an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle delivery platform for intracellular expression of the antibody. As a result, we have developed a novel candidate drug with a clear mechanism, offering a new strategy for the treatment of cancers associated with HPV18.

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