Minor protein of the capsid that localizes along the inner surface of the virion, within the central cavities beneath the L1 pentamers. Plays a role in capsid stabilization through interaction with the major capsid protein L1. Once the virion enters the host cell, escorts the genomic DNA into the nucleus, in particular by promoting virion endosomal escape. It is involved, through its interaction with host dynein, in the intracellular microtubule-dependent transport of viral capsid toward the nucleus. Mediates the viral genome import into the nucleus through binding to host importins. Mediates the viral genome import into the nucleus through binding to host importins. Once within the nucleus, L2 localizes viral genomes to PML bodies in order to activate early gene expression for establishment of infection. Later on, promotes late gene expression by interacting with the viral E2 protein and by inhibiting its transcriptional activation functions. During virion assbly, encapsidates the genome by direct interaction with the viral DNA .
Nucleotide sequence and comparative analysis of the human papillomavirus type 18 genome. Phylogeny of papillomaviruses and repeated structure of the E6 and E7 gene products.Cole S.T., Danos O.J. Mol. Biol. 193:599-608(1987)
Research Topic:Immunology
