Which pair correctly matches an oncogenic virus protein with its host tumour suppressor target?

• A HPV E6 with RB and HPV E7 with p53
• B EBV LMP-1 with RB and HPV E7 with p53
• C HPV E6 with p53 and HPV E7 with RB ✓
• D HBV HBx with RB and EBV EBNA with p53

Explanation

In high-risk HPV infection, E6 promotes ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of p53 by recruiting E6AP ubiquitin ligase, while E7 binds the hypophosphorylated RB protein and displaces E2F transcription factors, driving cells into S phase. Remember the mnemonic order E6 before E7 corresponds to p53 before RB. Option A reverses these pairs, which is the classic trap.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.