Physical characterization of deoxyribonucleic acids of different human papilloma viruses (HPV).

Different types of human papilloma viruses (HPV) had been identified by the use of bacterial restriction endonucleases (Gissmann et al., 1977). The DNAs of HPV 1, 2, and 3 showing a similar restriction enzyme pattern can be purified in sufficient quantities to permit further characterization. These viruses appear not to be identical, as far as molecular weight (4.9 X 10(6) d), buoyant density (1.700 mu/ml), and sedimentation values of the different DNA components (Co I: 22--23S; Co II: 17S; Co III: 16S) are concerned. HPV 4 DNA, which is entirely different from HPV 1--3 in its restriction enzyme pattern, does not hybridize with cRNA transcribed in vitro from HPV 1 DNA. The cRNA was shown to represent the whole viral genome.