CD66 and CD49f expressing cells are associated with distinct neoplastic phenotypes and progression in human cervical cancer

•CD66+ cells are collectively invading tumour cells with CD49f+ cells at the invasive front.•CD66 cells have traits of migration and partial-EMT; and CD49f cells have proliferation traits.•TGFβ1 is associated with migratory CD66 cells.•Metastatic tumours are associated with high TGFβ1, CD66 and CD49f expression.•CD66 and CD49f subsets, contribute differently to local-recurrences and metastasis