How Merkel cell polyomavirus causes Merkel cell skin cancer and how the body fights it
Merkel cell polyomavirus infection, host response, and viral oncogenic mechanism
This project looks at how a common virus (MCPyV) can lead to aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma and how the immune system responds, aiming to help older adults and people with weakened immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown human skin cells (dermal fibroblasts) and pieces of real tumors to see how Merkel cell polyomavirus infects tissues and triggers immune defenses. Scientists infect these human cells and monitor how the STING innate immune pathway responds and limits viral replication. They compare infected cells with MCPyV-positive tumor samples to find why STING is turned off in cancers. Molecular tools such as CRISPR are used to identify viral and host factors that drive tumor formation and that might be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Merkel cell carcinoma—especially those with MCPyV-positive tumors—or individuals willing to donate tumor tissue or blood for research.
Not a fit: People without MCPyV-positive MCC or with unrelated skin conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that restore immune sensing or block the virus's cancer-causing steps and improve therapy options for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown MCPyV infects human skin cells and that STING limits viral spread, but translating these findings into effective therapies for metastatic MCC remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: You, Jianxin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: You, Jianxin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.