Definition

A therapeutic codon-optimized DNA vaccine encoding for the E6 and E7 proteins of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes 16 and 18, with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, the HPV 16/18 E6/E7 DNA vaccine pBI-11 expresses the HPV 16/18 E6/E7 fusion protein which may elicit a specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against cancer cells expressing the HPV 16/18 E6 and E7 oncoproteins, resulting in tumor cell lysis. HPV type 16 and 18 are the most common HPV types involved in cervical carcinogenesis. Codon optimization of the HPV16/18 E6/E7 genes in pBI-11 improves fusion protein expression.