Human papillomavirus type 16 replication protein E1 (HPV16 E1)

The Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) replication protein E1 is a multifunctional enzyme that serves as the primary initiator of viral DNA replication. It functions as an ATP-dependent DNA helicase that recognizes and binds to the viral origin of replication, typically in a complex with the E2 protein (UniProtKB: P03114). Once bound, E1 assembles into a hexameric ring that unwinds the double-stranded viral DNA, facilitating the recruitment of host cell replication factors like DNA polymerase alpha-primase (PMID: 15105515). HPV16 is the most prevalent high-risk HPV type associated with the development of cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers, making E1 a critical target for antiviral intervention. Because E1 is essential for the maintenance of the viral episome and has no direct human homolog, it offers a high degree of selectivity for drug development. Current therapeutic research focuses on small molecules designed to inhibit E1's ATPase activity or disrupt its essential interaction with the E2 protein to halt viral proliferation (PMID: 23431014).

Other names

E1 proteinReplication protein E1HPV-16 E1E1 helicase

Inhibition of ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity, disruption of the E1-E2 protein-protein interaction, or prevention of E1 hexamerization on viral DNA (PMID: 23431014, PMID: 12857903).