HPV16 is one of over 120 different subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) that have been identified, with approximately 40 of these subtypes infecting the epithelial lining of the anogenital tract, mouth, and throat. In the majority of cases, infection with HPV is asymptomatic and endogenously resolved, without the need for medical intervention. However, infection with any of 14 “high-risk” types, including HPV16, introduces the risk for developing cervical cancer. Anti-HPV16 can be used as a tool to screen for infection with HPV16, and monitor if the infection carries a risk of becoming cancerous.

L1 protein is a major capsid protein of HPV type 16. HPV 6 and 11 have been associated with relatively benign diseases such as genital warts but type 16 and 18 are strongly associated with cervical, vaginal and vulvar malignancies.