Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor by erlotinib prevents immortalization of human cervical cells by Human Papillomavirus type 16

The Human Papillomavirus type-16 (HPV-16) E6 and E7 oncogenes are selectively retained and expressed in cervical carcinomas, and expression of E6 and E7 is sufficient to immortalize human cervical epithelial cells. Expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is often increased in cervical dysplasia and carcinoma, and HPV oncoproteins stimulate cell growth via the EGFR pathway. We found that erlotinib, a specific inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity, prevented immortalization of cultured human cervical epithelial cells by the complete HPV-16 genome or the E6/E7 oncogenes. Erlotinib stimulated apoptosis in cells that expressed HPV-16 E6/E7 proteins and induced senescence in a subpopulation of cells that did not undergo apoptosis. Since immortalization by HPV E6/E7 is an important early event in cervical carcinogenesis, the EGFR is a potential target for chemoprevention or therapy in women who have a high risk for cervical cancer.

► We examined the effect on EGF-R inhibition in HPV-infected cervical cells. ► Erlotinib prevented immortalization of cells by HPV-16. ► Erlotinib stimulated apoptosis in cells that expressed HPV-16. ► Erlotinib induced senescence in cells that did not undergo apoptosis. ► The EGF-R may be a potential target for chemoprevention