Abstract
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV) is a common infectious agent likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSV), which exhibit high seroprevalence in general population, has been detected in trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) skin lesions suggesting an etiological role for this disease. Previous studies have shown strong MCV-specific T-cell responses, while no data exist on T-cell immunity against TSV. In order to characterize Th-cell immunity against TSV, and to allow comparisons with the MCV-specific Th-cell immunity, we studied TSV-specific proliferation, IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-13, and MCV-specific IFN-γ and IL-10 responses in 51 healthy volunteers, and in one MCC patient. Recombinant TSV and MCV VP1 virus-like particles (VLPs) were used as antigens. A significant correlation was found between virus-specific Th-cell and antibody responses with TSV; with MCV it proved weaker. Despite significant homology in amino acid sequences, Th-cell crossreactivity was not evident between these viruses. Some subjects seronegative to both TSV and MCV exhibited Th-cell responses to both viruses. The agent initially priming these Th-cells remains an enigma. As CD8+ cells specific to MCV T-Ag oncoprotein clearly provide an important defense against established MCC, the MCV VP1-specific Th-cells may, by suppressing MCV replication with antiviral cytokines such as IFN-γ, significantly contribute to preventing the full process of oncogenesis.
Highlights
Polyomaviruses are small, non-enveloped double stranded DNA viruses
IFN-c IL-10, and IL-13 cytokine responses by stimulating PBMC with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) or Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSV) VP1 virus-like particles (VLP)
TSV-specific IL-10 responses were similar in these two groups, whereas proliferation, IFN-c and IL-13 responses appeared to be stronger among the TSV-seropositive than -seronegative subjects
Summary
Polyomaviruses are small, non-enveloped double stranded DNA viruses. In 2008, Feng et al discovered a new polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) accounting for most cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive neuroendrocrine cancer of the skin [1,2]. A new polyomavirus, TSV, was recently identified in an immunosuppressed individual with this rare, severe skin disease, trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) [14]. This disease is characterized by spicules, i.e. follicular papules and keratin spines that become widespread on the face, sometimes accompanied by alopecia of the eyebrows and lashes, and, in some cases, leading to facial distortion. Electron microscopic studies revealed the presence of polyomavirus-like particles in skin biopsies of TS patients, which accords with the etiological role of TSV for this disease [15,16,17,18,19,20]. The existing data indicate that TSV infections are frequent among the general population (, 70% seroprevalance), and that primary infection often occurs in childhood [21,22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
