Aim: In this study, cloning and prokaryotic expression of L1 gene region of highly pathogenic genotypes (HPV 16 and HPV 18) of human papillomavirus (HPV) were reported.

Materials and Methods: Initially, HPV DNAs were isolated from HPV 16 and 18-positive tissue samples. Later, amplification of L1 gene of HPV was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified product of L1 gene was cloned into the pH6HTC His6HaloTag® T7 plasmid vector. The recombinant plasmid was used in transforming Escherichia coli. The transformed bacterial cells were selected onto ampicillin containing media.

Results: The recombinant vectors obtained from the transformed E. coli cells were subjected to restriction endonuclease and PCR-screening analysis in order to confirm the identity of L1 gene. The his-tagged L1 proteins synthesized onto the media containing ampicillin were purified. The purified recombinant L1 proteins were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Conclusion: The L1 protein obtained from this study is a potential vaccine. Therefore, we are planning for the expression of this protein in eukaryotic system and vaccine studies.