Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide like 3A (APOBEC3A) mutation is a major driver of cervical cancer. APOBEC3A and human papilloma virus (HPV) is closely related. On the one hand, APOBEC3A can effectively inhibit HPV infection; on the other hand, it can promote the integration of HPV DNA into cervical keratinocytes. This paper reviews the complex interaction between HPV and APOBEC3A, and analyzes the involved viral mechanism and cellular signal pathway. A large number of studies have confirmed that APOBEC3A gene can effectively induce the evolution and development of a variety of malignant tumors, including cervical cancer. However, APOBEC3A protein level is not so high in cancer cells in clinic. This paper also discusses the significance and the potential therapeutic value of APOBEC3A activity in cervical cancer.