E5 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 plays an important role in cervical carcinogenesis. It has a direct transformation function through up-regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway , and also contributes to the transformation function of E6 protein and E7 protein. In recent years, it has been found that HPV16 E5 protein affects some immunological factors and some key factors in inflammatory pathway. It is a leading therapeutic target for cervical cancer. Current research progress on HPV16 E5 protein is reviewed in this paper.