Presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Japanese cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

J Clin Virol. 2011 Jan;50(1):37-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2010.09.013. Epub 2010 Oct 20.

Abstract

Background: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was first identified in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) as a new tumor virus. Studies have also reported differing frequencies of MCPyV detection in other skin cancers in western countries.

Objectives: Little is known about geographical differences of MCPyV prevalence in non-MCC tumors. We examined the existence of MCPyV in non-MCC skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Japanese patients.

Study design: Paraffin-embedded tissues of cutaneous SCC (n=30) and BCC (n=10) from Japanese patients were tested for the presence of MCPyV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primer sets directed against the genes encoding large-T antigen 3 (LT3) and viral protein 1 (VP1). This was followed by DNA fragment sequencing and immunohistochemistry.

Results: PCR analysis targeting the LT3 gene showed that the viral sequences were found in 4 of 30 (13%) SCC cases. Nested PCR detected the VP1 region in four cases. Sequencing analysis of these PCR-amplified fragments showed a close homology to the previously published MCPyV sequences. Immunohistochemistry with the monoclonal antibody to MCPyV LT-antigen showed positive staining in 2 of 4 LT3 PCR-positive cases. On the other hand, our BCC samples were all negative for MCPyV.

Conclusion: This study suggested that Japanese cutaneous SCC is infrequently associated with MCPyV. Further worldwide epidemiological surveys are warranted to determine the possible association of MCPyV with pathogenesis of non-MCC skin cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor / immunology
  • Base Sequence
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Merkel Cells / pathology
  • Merkel Cells / virology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polyomavirus / genetics
  • Polyomavirus / physiology*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / virology
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / virology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor
  • DNA, Viral