Investigating how a virus contributes to skin cancer in older adults
Official title: Role of Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen in persistent infection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11048272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus can lead to skin cancer, especially in older people or those with weakened immune systems, and it hopes to find ways to stop the virus from causing cancer so that patients can have better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $634,981 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI181892-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals or those with weakened immune systems who are at risk for Merkel cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or immunocompromised may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), a virus that can persistently infect human skin and potentially lead to aggressive skin cancer in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The study aims to understand how MCV replicates and integrates into the DNA of cells, which may drive the development of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). By examining the role of specific viral proteins and their interaction with host factors, the research seeks to identify strategies to inhibit viral replication and prevent cancer progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new preventive measures or treatments for MCV-associated skin cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Merkel cell carcinoma in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding viral mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shuda, Masahiro — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shuda, Masahiro
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.