How HPV and COVID-19 Spike Proteins May Interact to Impact Cancer Suppression

Feb 9, 2026

A deep dive into how p53, the cell’s cancer gatekeeper, can be targeted by viral proteins. Discussion of HPV E6’s p53 degradation alongside possible effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike on p53 activity. Lab observations, a clinical anecdote, and implications for HPV-positive patients are explored. Research gaps and experiments needed to test the proposed cooperative suppression are outlined.

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INSIGHT

Central Role Of p53 In Cancer Prevention

p53 is a central tumor suppressor that repairs DNA or triggers cell death when activated.
Loss of p53 function is a hallmark of many cancers and is a key mechanism in HPV-driven malignancies via E6-mediated degradation.

INSIGHT

HPV E6 Promotes p53 Degradation

HPV E6 inactivates p53 by promoting its degradation, driving HPV-associated cancers like cervical and head and neck cancers.
This specific viral-oncoprotein mechanism explains persistent HPV infection leading to neoplasia in affected tissues.

INSIGHT

Hypothesis That Spike Protein Affects p53

SARS-CoV-2 is not classically oncogenic but can interfere with immune function and cellular pathways linked to p53.
Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry hypothesizes spike protein may complement HPV E6 effects on tumor suppression.

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The p53 protein plays a central role in preventing cancer by responding to cellular stress and DNA damage. When activated, it can repair damaged DNA or trigger cell death, preventing the survival of potentially malignant cells. Loss of p53 function is a hallmark of many cancers. HPV is well known to inactivate p53 through its E6 protein, which promotes p53 degradation. This mechanism contributes to HPV-associated cancers, including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancers. SARS-CoV-2, while not traditionally classified as an oncogenic virus, has been shown to interfere with immune function and, in some cases, with cellular pathways that involve p53. A recent article by Dr. Wafik El-Deiry of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, published in Oncotarget, proposes a scientific hypothesis suggesting that proteins from HPV and SARS-CoV-2 may both interfere with the body’s tumor-suppressing mechanisms, potentially compounding their effects on cancer-related pathways. The Hypothesis: HPV E6 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins May Cooperatively Suppress p53 In the paper, titled “Hypothesis: HPV E6 and COVID spike proteins cooperate in targeting tumor suppression by p53,” Dr. El-Deiry proposes that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, whether introduced via infection or mRNA vaccination, may suppress p53 activity in a manner that complements the effects of HPV E6. In individuals with persistent HPV infection, this combined interference could further reduce p53 function, weakening tumor suppression mechanisms. Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2026/02/09/how-hpv-and-covid-19-spike-proteins-may-interact-to-impact-cancer-suppression/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28823 Correspondence to - Wafik S. El-Deiry - wafik@brown.edu Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GJVmpG4fPk Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28823 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, HPV, COVID, p53, spike To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us on social media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM