p16INK4A (CDKN2A, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A) belongs to cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family, inhibiting CDK4/6 to trigger G1-phase cell-cycle arrest and mediate cellular senescence. p16INK4A directly binds CDK4 and CDK6, disrupts CDK-Cyclin-D assembly, prevents Rb hyper-phosphorylation and preserves Rb tumor-suppressive function to block G1-to-S transition. It serves as canonical senescence biomarker with strong induction in senescent cells. Deletion or silencing of CDKN2A releases proliferative restraint and promotes oncogenesis. In HPV-driven tumors, viral E7 antagonizes Rb and induces compensatory p16INK4A overexpression, making p16INK4A a diagnostic marker for cervical lesions.