Human Papilloma Virus Does Not Fully Inactivate p53 Cellular Activity in HNSCC.

ABSTRACT: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major global health challenge. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53 is the most frequent driver event in this malignancy. p53 inactivation occurs either through TP53 mutations in human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative cases or via HPV-mediated p53 degradation in HPV-positive (HPV+) cases, where most tumors retain a wild-type (WT) TP53 allele. This underscores the critical role ofp53-regulated processes in HNSCC pathogenesis. Clinically, HPV+ HNSCC has significantly better outcomes than HPV-negative disease. However, approximately 10% of HPV+ HNSCC tumors harbor TP53 mutations, suggesting selective pressure to suppress p53 signaling beyond viral degradation. In this study, we demonstrate that HPV+ TP53-WTHNSCC cells have residual, tumor s

SUBMITTER: Gencel-Augusto J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12626247 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature