Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a family of small, DNA-based viruses that can cause either benign conditions or contribute to the development of cancerous tumors in humans. Some of the oncogenic strains, as supported by existing research, primarily infect epithelial cells and can be found in various areas of the skin and mucous membranes, including the genital, anal, oral, and respiratory tracts. Persistent HPV infection is a major risk factor for the development of numerous malignant tumors in humans that can occur in various anatomical areas. Among these, HPV16 and HPV18 are the most extensively studied due to their significant carcinogenic potential. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of these strains play an important role in cell transformation and carcinogenesis, as they are integral to the cellular immortalization process. This review synthesizes the current literature and provides an in-depth analysis of the structure and organization of the HPV genome, the viral infection cycle, and the functional roles of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins. These proteins play a pivotal role in driving abnormal cell proliferation, detecting precancerous conditions, and determining the necessary interventions, including prevention and treatment strategies for HPV infections.
