trisialoganglioside-gt1 and Carcinoma--Merkel-Cell

The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was identified recently in human Merkel cell carcinomas, an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer. Here, we identify a putative host cell receptor for MCPyV. We found that recombinant MCPyV VP1 pentameric capsomeres both hemagglutinated sheep red blood cells and interacted with ganglioside GT1b in a sucrose gradient flotation assay. Structural differences between the analyzed gangliosides suggest that MCPyV VP1 likely interacts with sialic acids on both branches of the GT1b carbohydrate chain. Identification of a potential host cell receptor for MCPyV will aid in the elucidation of its entry mechanism and pathophysiology.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Cell Line; Erythrocytes; Gangliosides; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; HeLa Cells; Humans; Models, Biological; Peptide Hydrolases; Polyomavirus; Polyomavirus Infections; Sheep; Sialic Acids; Sucrose