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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
13:45

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection

Published on: February 7, 2019

10.1K

Merkel cell polyomavirus is a passenger virus in both poroma and porocarcinoma

Anna-Stiina Meriläinen1, Harri Sihto2, Virve Koljonen3

  • 1Department of Surgery, The Central Hospital of Tavastia Proper, Hämeenlinna, Finland.

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|July 27, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is not an oncogenic driver in porocarcinoma. While found in some samples, low viral DNA and absent LT expression suggest MCPyV acts as a passenger virus, unlike in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Dermatopathology

Background:

  • Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is linked to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) tumorigenesis.
  • Previous studies indicated MCPyV expression in eccrine porocarcinoma.
  • The role of MCPyV in poroma and porocarcinoma remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and oncogenic potential of MCPyV in porocarcinoma and poroma.
  • To compare MCPyV findings in porocarcinoma/poroma with MCC as a reference.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 17 porocarcinoma and 50 poroma samples.
  • MCPyV detection using LT antigen immunostaining and DNA analysis.
  • Comparison with 180 MCC samples as controls.

Main Results:

  • MCPyV LT antigen detected in 18% of porocarcinoma and 10% of poroma samples (vs. 65% in MCC).
  • MCPyV DNA found in 10% of porocarcinoma/poroma (vs. 96% in MCC).
  • Viral DNA copy numbers were significantly lower in porocarcinoma/poroma than in MCC.

Conclusions:

  • MCPyV is unlikely to be an oncogenic driver in porocarcinoma.
  • Low viral DNA load and lack of LT expression suggest MCPyV is a passenger virus in these tumors.
Keywords:
Merkel cell polyomaviruseccrine porocarcinomaporoma

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