Human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 are strongly associated with cervical carcinoma. Which viral proteins are primarily responsible for malignant transformation?

• A E1 and E2 proteins that drive viral DNA replication
• B E6 and E7 proteins that inactivate p53 and Rb respectively ✓
• C L1 and L2 proteins that form the viral capsid
• D E4 and E5 proteins that promote cell membrane fusion

Explanation

HPV E6 protein binds and degrades p53 via ubiquitination, while E7 binds and inactivates the retinoblastoma protein. Loss of both tumor suppressor functions drives uncontrolled cell cycle progression and genomic instability. E1 and E2 are involved in viral replication, and L1 and L2 are capsid proteins. This mechanism is the basis for HPV vaccination targeting L1.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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