Abstract: Modified virus-like particles (VLPs) can comprise fusion proteins having sequence from a major coat protein of papovavirus, e.g. L1 protein and HPV 16 or 18, in which the N-terminal of the sequence derived from the major coat protein is fused to a further peptide sequence. The VLPs can contain a full sequence of an L1 protein, or an L1 sequence with an N-terminal deletion, or an L1 sequence with an amino acid substitution mutation, and optionally a C-terminal L1 sequence deletion. The peptide sequence fused to the N-terminal can be immunogenic, e.g. from a protein of a pathogen such as a virus. The further peptide sequence can provide a binding domain for affinity purification of the VLP. Modified VLPs can retain the native conformation of the VLP structure while also presenting to the immune system of a subject immunized with the modified VLPs an epitope present on an N-terminal extension of the major coat protein sequence.

Abstract: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) or a functional analogue thereof, or a polynucleotide encoding IL-12 or encoding a functional analogue thereof, is used as a therapeutic material or adjuvant in treating papillomavirus-associated lesions e.g. warts due to HPV 6 and/or 11, e.g. condyloma acuminata. IL-12 or a vector encoding it for endogenous production can be used together with a vaccine such as a papillomavirus antigen, or a vector encoding a papillomavirus antigen.