Generation of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV)-like particles and their application to detection of MCV antibodies

J Clin Microbiol. 2010 May;48(5):1767-70. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01691-09. Epub 2010 Feb 24.

Abstract

The genome of a new human polyomavirus, known as Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), has recently been reported to be integrated within the cellular DNA of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare human skin cancer. To investigate MCV seroprevalence in the general population, we expressed three different MCV VP1 in insect cells using recombinant baculoviruses. Viruslike particles (VLPs) were obtained with only one of the three VP1 genes. High-titer antibodies against VP1 VLPs were detected in mice immunized with MCV VLPs, and limited cross-reactivity was observed with BK polyomavirus (BKV) and lymphotropic polyomavirus (LPV). MCV antibodies were detected in 77% of the general population, with no variations according to age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Antigens, Viral* / genetics
  • Antigens, Viral* / isolation & purification
  • BK Virus / immunology
  • Baculoviridae / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / virology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cross Reactions
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Insecta
  • Male
  • Merkel Cells / virology
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Polyomavirus / genetics
  • Polyomavirus / immunology*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Virosomes* / genetics
  • Virosomes* / isolation & purification
  • Virosomes* / ultrastructure
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Virosomes