Development and validation of a multiplex immunoassay for the simultaneous quantification of type-specific IgG antibodies to E6/E7 oncoproteins of HPV16 and HPV18.

More than 170 types of human papilloma viruses (HPV) exist with many causing proliferative diseases linked to malignancy in indications such as cervical cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Characterization of antibody levels toward HPV serology is challenging due to complex biology of oncoproteins, pre-existing titers to multiple HPV types, cross-reactivity, and low affinity, polyclonal responses. Using multiplex technology from MSD, we have developed an assay that simultaneously characterizes antibodies against E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV16 and 18, the primary drivers of HPV-associated oncogenesis.