E5 and E6/E7 of high-risk HPVs cooperate to enhance cancer progression through EMT initiation

Abstract

It is estimated that 10–20% of human carcinogenesis is linked to virus infection including papillomaviruses (HPVs). Moreover, since metastatic cancer disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, the role of onco-viruses in cancer progression to a metastatic form is of particular interest. Recent studies reported that E5 and E6/E7 onco-proteins of high-risk HPVs could enhance cancer progression via the initiation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) event. Herein, we discuss the association between E5 as well as E6/E7 of high-risk HPV and cancer progression.