What are high-risk and low-risk HPVs?
In regard to their ability to transform cells, two risk groups of mucosal HPVs have been defined. The high-risk HPVs (e.g. 16, 18, 31, 35, 45, and others) are able to cause cervical dysplasias and carcinomas, whereas low-risk HPVs (e.g. 6, 11, 40, and 42) display transforming capacities in exceptional cases only. The gene products of the high-risk HPV E6 and E7 genes mediate the oncogenic potential of these viruses.
