HPV Type 16/18 E7 Antibodies

Target Information

The E7 gene from Human Papillomavirus Types 16 and 18 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HPV-related cervical and head and neck cancers. HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for about 70% of these cancers. The E7 protein is particularly significant due to its interactions with the retinoblastoma protein (pRB), where it disrupts pRB's function to promote uncontrolled cell division. This interaction is facilitated by an ordered Zinc finger motif within the E7 protein. Structurally, E7 comprises disordered N-terminal regions and structured C-terminal regions, which are critical for its role in cellular transformation and oncogenic progression. This structural composition is conserved across different HPV types, indicating its evolutionary importance in maintaining E7's function. Specifically, the 98 amino acids of HPV16 E7 are highly conserved, emphasizing their importance in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, E7, along with E6, activates pathways that result in the inactivation of pRB, which is a pivotal step in the development of cervical cancer. HPV infections typically resolve spontaneously, but persistent infections with high-risk types like HPV16 and 18 increase the risk of cancer.