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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Human polyomaviruses 6 and 7 are not detectable in Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma
Eric J Duncavage1, John D Pfeifer
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. eduncavage@path.wustl.edu
Background:
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has a high degree of association with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). However, no reliable microscopic, clinical, phenotypic or molecular differences have been identified that distinguish MCPyV-positive from MCPyV-negative MCC, raising the possibility that a related polyomavirus may be present in MCPyV-negative cases. Recently, two additional human polyomaviruses, human polyomaviruses 6 and 7 (HPyV6 and HPyV7), were shown to be present in normal skin of healthy subjects along with MCPyV. Consequently, we sought to determine if the presence of HPyV6 of HPyV7 could account for MCPyV-negative MCC.
Methods:
DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 28 previously characterized MCC cases that included 22 MCPyV-positive and 6 MCPyV-negative samples. Real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting three viral regions was used to detect HPyV6 and HPyV7.
Results:
None of the 28 MCC cases, which included both MCPyV-positive and negative cases, showed amplifiable HPyV6 or HPyV7 DNA.
Conclusions:
While MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 are part of normal skin flora and show a high degree of sequence similarity, there is no evidence of an association between HPyV6 and HPyV7 and MCC in this case series. This result argues against a role for HPyV6 and HPyV7 in the pathogenesis of MCPyV-negative MCC.
Insights
Human polyomaviruses 6 and 7 (HPyV6, HPyV7) were investigated for a role in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) lacking Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). This study found no evidence linking HPyV6 or HPyV7 to MCC development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) frequently associates with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV).
- No clear differences distinguish MCPyV-positive from MCPyV-negative MCC.
- Human polyomaviruses 6 and 7 (HPyV6, HPyV7) are found in normal skin, prompting investigation into their role in MCPyV-negative MCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association of HPyV6 and HPyV7 with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
- To determine if HPyV6 or HPyV7 could explain MCPyV-negative MCC cases.
Main Methods:
- DNA was extracted from 28 MCC tissue samples (22 MCPyV-positive, 6 MCPyV-negative).
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect HPyV6 and HPyV7 DNA.
Main Results:
- Amplifiable HPyV6 or HPyV7 DNA was not detected in any of the 28 MCC cases studied.
- This lack of detection applied to both MCPyV-positive and MCPyV-negative samples.
Conclusions:
- HPyV6 and HPyV7, despite being common in skin flora, show no association with MCC in this series.
- These findings do not support a role for HPyV6 and HPyV7 in the pathogenesis of MCPyV-negative MCC.
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