In cervical squamous cell carcinoma driven by high-risk HPV, which viral protein is primarily responsible for inactivation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb)?

• A E6
• B E7 ✓
• C L1
• D E2

Explanation

HPV E7 binds and degrades the retinoblastoma protein, releasing E2F transcription factors and driving cell cycle progression. E6 inactivates p53, promoting genomic instability. L1 is a major capsid protein used in HPV vaccines. E2 regulates viral transcription and is often disrupted upon integration, but does not directly inactivate Rb.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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