Final answer:
The early proteins of HPV, such as E6, are associated with the inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins like p53. E6 binds to p53 and prevents its normal function, allowing infected cells to continue dividing and accumulating mutations, potentially leading to cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early proteins of HPV are associated with the inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins, such as p53. One of these proteins is E6, which binds to p53 and prevents its normal function.
When E6 binds to p53, it neutralizes its ability to detect DNA damage and initiate processes such as cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. This allows the infected cell to continue dividing and accumulating mutations, which can lead to the development of cancer.