What role does the human papillomavirus (HPV) play in cervical cancer development?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a crucial role in the development of cervical cancer. HPV is a group of viruses, some of which are classified as high-risk types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18. These high-risk types can cause changes in the cells of the cervix by integrating their DNA into the host cell’s DNA. This integration leads to the production of proteins that interfere with the cell’s normal regulatory mechanisms, promoting abnormal cell growth and potentially leading to cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is a primary factor in the development of cervical cancer, making HPV screening and vaccination critical for prevention.