Expression of E4 Protein and HPV Major Capsid Protein (L1) as A Novel Combination in Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

We aim to describe the relationship between the immunohistochemical expression patterns of HPV E4 markers and the presence of HPV major capsid protein (L1) in cervical tissues obtained by biopsy of patients with abnormal liquid-based cytology (LBC) results, HR HPV infections, or clinically suspicious cervix. A novel HPV-encoded marker, SILgrade-E4 (XR-E4-1), and an HPV (clone K1H8) antibody were used to demonstrate the expression in terminally differentiated epithelial cells with a productive HPV infection in the material. A semiquantitative analysis was performed based on light microscope images. The level of E4 protein decreased with the disease severity. Patients with LSIL-CIN 1 and HSIL-CIN 2 diagnoses had significantly lower levels of HPV major capsid protein (L1) than those without confirmed cervical lesions. Our analysis confirms a higher incidence of L1 in patients with molecularly diagnosed HPV infections and excluded lesions of LSIL-CIN 1 and HSIL-CIN 2. Further studies on the novel biomarkers might help assess the chances of the remission of lesions such as LSIL-CIN 1 and HSIL-CIN 2. Higher levels of E4 protein and L1 may confirm a greater probability of the remission of lesions and incidental infections. In the cytological verification or HPV-dependent screening model, testing for E4 protein and L1 expression may indicate a group with a lower risk of progression of histopathologically diagnosed lesions.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the relationship between the expression patterns of HPV E4 markers and the presence of HPV major capsid protein (L1) in cervical tissues. The study used a novel HPV-encoded marker and an HPV antibody to analyze the expression in terminally differentiated epithelial cells. The results showed that patients with LSIL-CIN 1 and HSIL-CIN 2 diagnoses had lower levels of HPV major capsid protein (L1) compared to those without confirmed cervical lesions.