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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 13, 2019
The novel human polyomaviruses HPyV6, 7, 9 and beyond
Bernhard Ehlers1, Ulrike Wieland
1Division 12 Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Viruses Affecting Immunocompromised Patients, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany. ehlersb@rki.de
Summary
Six new human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) lack disease associations, though they are shed by healthy individuals and patients. Further research is needed to understand their reservoirs and potential links to cancer.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCC) is linked to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
- Six novel human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been identified: HPyV6, HPyV7, HPyV9, HPyV10, HPyV12, and Saint Louis polyomavirus (STLPyV).
- These HPyVs are not yet associated with any specific diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the shedding and detection of novel HPyVs in various human populations.
- To explore potential associations between these HPyVs and human cancers or other diseases.
- To understand the prevalence and circulation of HPyVs in the human population.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect HPyV shedding in skin, body fluids, and excretions.
- HPyV presence was analyzed in stool samples from children and in organs from patients with malignant diseases.
- Serological studies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with capsomer-based or virus-like particles (VLPs) were performed to assess HPyV circulation.
Main Results:
- HPyV6 and HPyV7 are shed from the skin of healthy individuals and patients with skin tumors.
- HPyV6, HPyV7, and HPyV9 were sporadically detected in body fluids of immunocompromised and healthy individuals.
- HPyV10 variants and STLPyV were found in stool samples, while HPyV12 was detected in digestive tract organs. Serological data indicate HPyV6, HPyV7, HPyV9, and HPyV12 circulate in the human population.
Conclusions:
- Novel HPyVs are widespread in the human population, with HPyV6 and HPyV7 commonly shed from the skin.
- Despite encoding potentially oncogenic T antigens, current evidence does not strongly associate HPyV6, HPyV7, and HPyV9 with human tumors.
- Future research should focus on identifying the reservoirs of these novel HPyVs and investigating their roles in both malignant and non-malignant diseases.
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