Human Papillomavirus Oncoprotein E6 (E6)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E6 is a viral protein encoded by the early region of the HPV genome. It is one of two primary oncoproteins (E6 and E7) expressed early in the HPV life cycle, particularly in high-risk HPV types associated with malignant transformation. The persistent expression of E6 is a hallmark of oncogenic HPV infections. Its primary function is to promote proteasome-dependent degradation of the tumor suppressor protein p53 via recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP. E6 also targets other pro-apoptotic factors such as Bak and Bax, and can induce telomerase activity, contributing to cellular immortalization.

Various, including ubiquitination/proteasomal degradation, direct protein-protein interaction inhibition, and transcriptional modulation