Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-18-2021

Abstract

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is estimated that 80% of sexually active adults will contract an HPV infection. Thus, there is a significant need for low-cost and easily distributable HPV antivirals that can be used alongside vaccines to combat infection. Herein I have identified protamine sulfate (PS) as a potent microbicide against HPV infection. PS was agnostic to genotype and efficacious pre and post HPV exposure. PS application topically reduced HPV internalization by altering epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and suppressed EGFR-stimulated HPV entry. Our preliminary data also suggest that heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) instead of EGF drives signaling important for HPV infection. Moreover, we describe a novel mediator of HPV infection, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Overall, our findings suggest PS is a potent microbicide, and that EGFR and VEGFR signaling is important for mediating HPV infection.

Keywords

HPV, EGFR, VEGFR, HSPG, Infection, Protamine, HB-EGF, Prophylactics

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Michelle A. Ozbun, Ph.D.

Second Committee Member

Angela Wandinger-Ness, Ph.D.

Third Committee Member

Diane S. Lidke, Ph.D.

Fourth Committee Member

Adriana E. Kajon, Ph.D.

Comments

Fixed minor formatting errors after initially review by Mayra Estrada.

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