Not all HPV strains cause cancers due to differences in viral oncogene potency
Scientific literature confirms that different human papillomavirus (HPV) strains vary widely in their oncogenic potential, largely due to differences in the potency and binding affinity of their E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins for host tumor suppressors.
The retrieved papers consistently highlight that high-risk HPV genotypes (like HPV 16 and 18) possess potent E6 and E7 oncoproteins capable of inactivating tumor suppressors like p53 and Rb, driving malignant transformation, whereas many other HPV strains are found in benign lesions or lack these transforming properties. The claim is well-supported by studies detailing genotype-specific oncogenic potential and oncoprotein potency.
Massimo Tommasino, Lionel Crawford. Human Papillomavirus E6 and E7: Proteins which deregulate the cell cycle. 1995. https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.950170607
High-risk HPV E6 and E7 proteins uniquely bind and inactivate tumor suppressors p53 and Rb1, driving oncogenic transformation while lower-risk strains lack these potent transforming capabilities.
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Sadaf Khursheed Baba, Shahad Shahdad Eissa Alblooshi, Reem Yaqoob, Shalini Behl, Mansour Al Saleem, Emad A Rakha, Fayaz Malik, Mayank Singh, Muzafar A Macha, Mohammed Kalim Akhtar, Walid A Houry, Ajaz A Bhat, Asma Al Menhali, Zhi-Ming Zheng, Sameer Mirza. Human papilloma virus (HPV) mediated cancers: an insightful update.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06470-x
The oncogenic potential of HPV is directly tied to the specific genotype and the potent activity of its E6 and E7 oncoproteins.
Karl Munger, Elizabeth A White. What are the essential determinants of human papillomavirus carcinogenesis?. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00462-24
The varying potency of high-risk versus lower-risk viral oncoproteins and their interactions with host targets are essential determinants of whether an HPV infection leads to carcinogenesis.
Lucia Minoni, Maria Carmen Romero-Medina, Assunta Venuti, Cécilia Sirand, Alexis Robitaille, Gennaro Altamura, Florence Le Calvez-Kelm, Daniele Viarisio, Katia Zanier, Martin Müller, Rosita Accardi, Massimo Tommasino. Transforming Properties of Beta-3 Human Papillomavirus E6 and E7 Proteins.. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00398-20
Studies on differing HPV strains (such as beta-3 types) demonstrate varying in vitro transforming properties and abilities to inactivate p53 and pRb pathways, confirming differences in oncogene potency across strains.
Patrick Finzer, Adriana Aguilar-Lemarroy, Frank Rösl. The role of human papillomavirus oncoproteins E6 and E7 in apoptosis.. 2002. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-3835(02)00431-7
The distinct oncogenic potential of high-risk human papillomaviruses is largely attributed to the potent ability of E6 and E7 proteins to disrupt cell cycle control and evade apoptosis.
H zur Hausen, E M de Villiers. Human papillomaviruses.. 1994. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.mi.48.100194.002235
Specific viral genes (E6 and E7) of high-risk HPVs act as strong oncogenes, contrasting with other genotypes found primarily in benign proliferations.
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