Human papillomavirus type 16 and 18 E7 oncoprotein (HPV16/18 E7)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and 18 E7 oncoproteins are essential drivers of malignant transformation in HPV-associated cancers, such as cervical, oropharyngeal, and anal carcinomas (UniProt P03129, P06788). These proteins function primarily by binding to and promoting the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), a master regulator of the cell cycle (PubMed: 29073366). By neutralizing pRb, E7 releases E2F transcription factors, triggering aberrant S-phase entry and continuous cell proliferation. Additionally, E7 interacts with various other cellular proteins to subvert immune detection and inhibit apoptosis. Since E7 expression is required for the maintenance of the malignant phenotype and is specific to infected cells, it is a primary target for therapeutic vaccines and T-cell-based immunotherapies (NCI). Clinical strategies aim to harness the immune system to recognize and destroy E7-expressing tumor cells, offering a targeted approach to treating HPV-driven malignancies.

Other names

HPV16 E7HPV18 E7Human papillomavirus type 16 protein E7Human papillomavirus type 18 protein E7E7 oncoproteinEarly protein E7

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against HPV-infected cells; disruption of the E7-pRb complex to restore cell cycle control.