Recent update on the development of HPV16 inhibitors for cervical cancer
Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical cancer (CC), which is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally. In this review, we have explained the HPV genome and the development of CC. Additionally, we summarized recently discovered small molecules that act as inhibitors of HPV-16. These molecules were identified through experimental and in-silico studies aimed at preventing or treating CC. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most common subtypes of HPV that cause CC globally. E6 oncoprotein of HPV-16 is considered the primary cause of CC progression. Therefore, E6 is the most focused targeted protein for developing specific and novel therapeutic inhibitors to treat HPV-related cancers. In recent years, various HPV inhibitors have been identified by means of experimental and in-silico studies. In addition, artificial intelligence-based medical diagnostic tools have grown more popular as they are capable of screening and diagnosing HPV-related cancer.
