Lessons from immune responses and vaccines against murine polyomavirus infection and polyomavirus-induced tumours potentially useful for studies on human polyomaviruses
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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Torbjörn Ramqvist1, Tina Dalianis
1Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, CancerCenter Karolinska, R8:01, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
During 2007-2008, three new human polyomaviruses, KI, WU and Merkel cell cancer polyomaviruses have been discovered, of which the latter has also been identified in a human tumour. This development revives the interest in both human and animal polyomaviruses and their potential role in tumour development and disease particularly in immune suppressed individuals. Murine polyomavirus (MPyV) has in the past been used for acquiring knowledge of transformation mechanisms in vitro, as well as in immunological studies with regard to virus-induced tumour development in the natural host of the virus. Here we summarize some of the accumulated knowledge achieved in the MPyV field in view of the balance between tumour virus, the immune system and tumour development, and discuss this in relation to infections with human polyomaviruses. We also present how virus-like particles (VLPs) and gluthatione-S-transferase VP1 can be used for vaccination against the same tumour virus not only in mice with a well-functioning immune system, but also in immune suppressed mice.
Insights
New human polyomaviruses (KI, WU, Merkel cell) prompt interest in polyomavirus roles in disease. Murine polyomavirus (MPyV) research offers insights into tumor development and vaccination strategies, even in immune-suppressed models.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Recent discovery of human polyomaviruses (KI, WU, Merkel cell) has renewed interest in their oncogenic potential, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Murine polyomavirus (MPyV) serves as a valuable model for studying virus-induced tumor development and host immune responses.
- Understanding the interplay between tumor viruses, the immune system, and disease progression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review knowledge gained from MPyV research regarding the balance between tumor viruses, immunity, and cancer development.
- To discuss the relevance of MPyV findings to human polyomavirus infections.
- To explore vaccination strategies using virus-like particles (VLPs) and glutathione-S-transferase VP1 against MPyV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Murine polyomavirus (MPyV).
- Comparative analysis of MPyV-related knowledge and human polyomavirus infections.
- Evaluation of vaccination efficacy using virus-like particles (VLPs) and glutathione-S-transferase VP1 in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice.
Main Results:
- MPyV research provides insights into mechanisms of viral oncogenesis and immune evasion.
- Vaccination with VLPs and GST-VP1 demonstrated protective effects against MPyV in mice.
- Vaccine efficacy was observed in both normal and immune-suppressed mouse models.
Conclusions:
- The MPyV model is instrumental in understanding polyomavirus-associated tumorigenesis and immune responses.
- Effective vaccination strategies against polyomaviruses can be developed using VLPs and VP1 antigens.
- These findings have implications for managing human polyomavirus infections and related cancers, particularly in vulnerable populations.
