Work

Molecular Mechanisms of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Transformation and Replication

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: Viral infection underlies a significant share of the global cancer burden. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the newest member of the human oncogenic virus family. Its discovery over a decade ago marked the beginning of an exciting era in human tumor virology. Since then, significant evidence has emerged to support the etiologic role of MCPyV in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an extremely lethal form of skin cancer. MCPyV infection is widespread in the general population. MCC diagnoses have tripled over the past 20 years, but effective treatments are currently lacking. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries that have shaped our understanding of MCPyV oncogenic mechanism and host cellular tropism, as well as the molecular events occurring in the viral infectious life cycle. These insights will guide future efforts in developing novel virus-targeted therapeutic strategies for treating the devastating human cancers associated with this new tumorigenic virus.

Source: Annual Review of Virology

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-011720-121757

Authors: Wei Liu, Jianxin You

Institution: University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Polyomavirus and related diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases