Human papillomavirus-positive cervical epithelial cell (HPV+ CC)

Human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) cervical epithelial cells are host cells that have undergone malignant transformation due to persistent infection with high-risk HPV genotypes, most notably HPV-16 and HPV-18 (National Cancer Institute, 2023). These cells are characterized by the integration of viral DNA into the host genome, leading to the overexpression of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins (PubMed, PMID: 29073360). E6 facilitates the ubiquitination and degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor, while E7 binds and inactivates the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), effectively removing key checkpoints in the cell cycle and preventing apoptosis (StatPearls, 2023). This results in uncontrolled cell proliferation and the accumulation of genetic mutations. In clinical practice, these cells are the primary target for screening programs and therapeutic interventions in cervical cancer. Treatment modalities include the use of platinum-based chemotherapies like Cisplatin to induce DNA damage, and biologics such as Pembrolizumab, which targets the PD-1 receptor to overcome immune evasion by these cells (FDA, 2021). Additionally, targeted therapies like Tisotumab vedotin utilize antibody-drug conjugates to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to these malignant cells by binding to surface antigens like Tissue Factor (PubChem, 2024).

Other names

HPV-positive cervical cancer cellHPV-transformed cervical epithelial cellHPV-infected cervical cellHuman papillomavirus-associated cervical carcinoma cell

Drugs targeting these cells act via DNA cross-linking, microtubule stabilization, PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibition, VEGF inhibition, and tissue factor-directed antibody-drug conjugation.