Generation of Merkel cell polyomavirus virus-like particles and their application in the detection of MCV antibodies.

The genome of a new human polyomavirus, known as Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), has recently been reported to be integrated within the cellular DNA of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare human skin cancer. To investigate MCV seroprevalence in the general population, we expressed three different MCV VP1 in insect cells using recombinant baculoviruses. Virus-like particles were obtained with only one of the three VP1 genes. High titer antibodies against VP1 VLPs were detected in mice immunized with MCV VLPs and limited cross-reactivity was observed with BKV and LPV. MCV antibodies were detected in 77% of the general population, with variations according to age