Protein E6 (Human Papillomavirus type 16) (HPV16 E6)

Protein E6 is a primary oncoprotein encoded by high-risk Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), which is the leading cause of cervical cancer and several other malignancies. Its fundamental biological function is to promote the degradation of the host tumor suppressor protein p53 via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, a process mediated by its interaction with the host E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP. By eliminating p53, E6 allows the virus to bypass cell cycle checkpoints and inhibit apoptosis, facilitating the accumulation of genetic mutations and oncogenic transformation. Because E6 is essential for the maintenance of the malignant phenotype in HPV-transformed cells, it is considered a high-priority therapeutic target. Monoclonal antibodies such as the 4C6 clone have been extensively studied for their ability to bind the N-terminal region of E6, effectively neutralizing its function and restoring p53-mediated cell death. While Antibody 4C6 is a well-known research tool and therapeutic candidate, the actual target molecule is the E6 protein itself.

Other names

E6 oncoproteinHPV16 E6Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 protein

Inhibition of E6-mediated p53 degradation by blocking the interaction between E6 and the host E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP, thereby restoring p53-dependent apoptotic pathways.