Blood-Based HPV Biomarkers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can lead to the development of various cancers including cervical, vulva, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Traditionally, HPV detection relied on cervical samples obtained through invasive procedures such as Pap smears or cervical swabs. While these methods have proven effective, they are limited by their dependence on sampling from the site of infection. Blood-based biomarkers offer a non-invasive and systemic approach to HPV detection and diagnosis. By identifying specific biomarkers in the blood, healthcare professionals can gain insights into HPV infection status, disease progression, and response to treatment. Blood-based biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize HPV screening programs, risk assessment, and patient management.

Browse all our HPV products

Learn more about Recombinant HPV 16 and 18 Antigens

HPV E6 and E7 Oncoproteins

HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins are viral proteins produced by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These oncoproteins play a significant role in HPV-related carcinogenesis, contributing to the development of cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-associated cancers.

Here are some key characteristics and functions of HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins:

• HPV E6 Oncoprotein:
  • HPV E6 is a small protein encoded by the E6 gene of the HPV genome.
  • It is expressed in cells infected with high-risk HPV types.
  • E6 oncoprotein interacts with various cellular proteins and disrupts their normal functions, promoting viral replication and cellular transformation.
  • One of the most critical functions of E6 is its ability to target and degrade the tumor suppressor protein p53. By degrading p53, E6 prevents the activation of cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis, allowing infected cells to survive and replicate.

• HPV E7 Oncoprotein:
  • HPV E7 is a small protein encoded by the E7 gene of the HPV genome.
  • Similar to E6, E7 is expressed in cells infected with high-risk HPV types.
  • E7 oncoprotein interacts with several cellular proteins, interfering with their normal regulatory mechanisms.
  • E7 primarily targets the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and other members of the pRb family. By binding to pRb, E7 disrupts its association with cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as E2F, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and bypassing normal cell cycle control mechanisms.

Figure 2. Model for the cooperation of the HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins during malignant cell transformation.
(Source: Hoppe-Seyler, K. et al., 2018)

In clinical practice, HPV-related cancers are usually diagnosed at a late stage because disease progression is asymptomatic, but antibody levels may precede obvious cancer manifestations by years. Therefore, HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins in clinical samples, including cervical swabs or blood, have the potential to serve as potential biomarkers for HPV-associated cancers. Detection of these oncoproteins may provide valuable information about the persistence of high-risk HPV infections and the increased risk of developing HPV-associated malignancies.

Other Biomarkers

HPV-16 E6 antibody and HPV ctDNA are currently the most reliable and promising blood biomarkers analyzed for HPV-related cancers. Furthermore, several other blood-based biomarkers, including vitamins and cofactors, cytokine levels, and various genetic polymorphisms, have also been explored. However, relevant studies have demonstrated the overall poor validity of these candidate biomarkers, most likely primarily due to the lack of HPV-associated cancer specificity (unlike HPV ctDNA and HPV E antibodies).

HPV Antibodies

HPV Antigens

HPV ELISA Kits