How does HPV cause cervical cancer?

This article from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, explores how the human papillomavirus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, is the primary cause of cervical cancer globally. When the immune system fails to clear the virus, it infects cervical skin cells, leading to cervical dysplasia. The severity of dysplasia is graded, with higher grades posing a greater risk of cancer. HPV causes cancer by disrupting the normal self-destruct process of healthy cells, making them immortal and prone to replication. The virus integrates its genetic code into cervical cells, producing proteins (E6 and E7) that interfere with tumor-suppressing proteins, increasing the likelihood of cancer development. The article highlights the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, emphasizing the importance of widespread vaccination. Read more here.