Peptides for inhibition of the HPV-E6 oncoprotein

Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are associated

with various tumors in humans. Specific HPV types (most commonly HPV16) cause cervical cancer, Here, the continuous expression of the viral E6 and E7 oncogenes is essential to maintain the tumorigenic phenotype. One major function of the viral E6 protein is to mediate degradation of the tumorsuppressor protein p53. By blocking apoptosis, this activity is crucial both for tumor formation and for the therapeutic resistance of HPV-positive cancer cells. The peptides identified by our inventors block the intracellular activity of the HPV16 E6 protein and thus increase sensitivity of tumor cells towards apoptosis. This effect is highly specific for HPV16- containing tumor cells.

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DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum)
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Dr. Ruth Herzog