Pathogenesis of oncogenic HPV Pathogenesis of oncogenic HPV. HPV E6 and E7 genes encode multifunctional proteins that bind primarily to cellular p53 and pRB proteins, disrupt their functions, and alter cell cycle regulatory pathways, leading to cellular transformation. Pathogenesis of oncogenic HPV. HPV E6 and E7 genes encode multifunctional proteins that bind primarily to cellular p53 and pRB proteins, disrupt their functions, and alter cell cycle regulatory pathways, leading to cellular transformation. Eileen M. Burd Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 2003; doi:10.1128/CMR.16.1.1-17.2003