LELS Seminar
LELS seminar given by Dr. dr. Sinead Carse, titled "Characterization of Surfactant Protein A as a Novel Prophylactic Means Against Oncogenic HPV Infections".
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a major health issue, especially in LMICs with limited healthcare access. We previously identified surfactant protein A (SP-A) as a novel molecule that binds HPV16-PsVs and reduces infection in a murine model. Here, we assess SP-A’s broader HPV-targeting potential and immune effects. SP-A agglutinates and opsonises multiple oncogenic HPV types, enhancing uptake by macrophages and THP-1 cells. Opsonisation increased lysosomal accumulation and reduced HaCaT cell infection, further suppressed in co-culture with immune cells. SP-A also triggered an inflammatory response in human immune cells, supporting its potential as an alternative HPV prophylactic.