Induction of apoptosis in human papillomavirus-positive cancer cells by peptide aptamers targeting the viral E6 oncoprotein

Certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are closely linked to the de velopment of human cancers. Herein, it is shown that intracellular targetin g of the HPV16 E6 oncoprotein by Eb-binding peptide aptamers resulted in th e apoptotic elimination of HPV16-positive cancer cells, whereas HPV-negativ e cells were not affected. These results provide direct experimental eviden ce that the HPV E6 oncoprotein has antiapoptotic activity in HPV-positive t umor cells that is required for their survival. The EG-targeting molecules identified herein have implications for the development of therapeutic stra tegies for the treatment of HPV-associated dysplasias and cancers.