engleski

Oncogenic Aspects of HPV Infections of the Female Genital Tract

Genital HPV infection is a most common sexually transmitted infection of viral origin among women. The association between persistent HPV infection and malignant transformation of the lower female genital tract is well established. HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins are the critical molecules in the process of malignant tumour formation. Interacting with various cellular proteins, E6 and E7 influence fundamental cellular functions like cell cycle regulation, telomere maintenance, susceptibility to apoptosis, intercellular adhesion and regulation of immune responses. High-risk E6 and E7 cooperatively disrupt p53 and pRb functions with profound changes in the cell cycle regulation. Uncontrolled cell proliferation leads to increased risk of genetic instability ; the generator of mutant phenotypes that will contribute to conferring other abnormalities and possible advantages for tumour growth. Furthermore, oncoproteins E6 and E7 are capable of directly provoking DNA damage. Usually, it takes decades for cancer to arise. Thus, cervical carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process involving genetic, environmental, hormonal and immunological factors in addition to HPV infection.

HPV, oncogenesis, intraepithelial neoplasia

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