Human papillomavirus type 6 replication protein E1 (HPV-6 E1) (HPV-6 E1)

The Human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV-6) E1 protein is a critical viral enzyme that serves as an ATP-dependent DNA helicase, essential for the initiation and elongation phases of viral DNA replication (UniProt: P06421). It functions by binding to the viral origin of replication, a process significantly enhanced by its interaction with the E2 protein, which helps recruit E1 to the specific DNA site (PubMed: 12134023). Once localized, E1 assembles into a hexameric complex that utilizes the energy from ATP hydrolysis to unwind the viral DNA duplex, facilitating the recruitment of host cellular replication factors (PubMed: 15141013). HPV-6 is a low-risk HPV type primarily responsible for the development of condyloma acuminatum (genital warts) and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, conditions that cause significant morbidity despite their non-malignant nature (StatPearls: NBK547660). As the only viral protein with intrinsic enzymatic activity necessary for genome duplication, E1 is a highly attractive therapeutic target for antiviral drug discovery. Experimental strategies have focused on small molecules that disrupt the E1-E2 protein-protein interaction or directly inhibit the ATPase/helicase activity of E1 (PubMed: 11413313). Although no E1 inhibitors are currently approved for clinical use, these compounds represent a promising approach to treating persistent HPV-6 infections.

Other names

E1 helicaseReplication protein E1HPV6 E1ATP-dependent DNA helicase E1

Inhibition of E1-E2 protein-protein interaction or inhibition of E1 helicase/ATPase activity