Ganglioside GT1b is a putative host cell receptor for the Merkel cell polyomavirus.
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.
Erickson
Kimberly D
KD
Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 347 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
Garcea
Robert L
RL
Tsai
Billy
B
D000818:Animals; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D002460:Cell Line; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000821:virology; D005732:Gangliosides / Q000378:metabolism*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D011120:Polyomavirus / Q000235:genetics*; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D012756:Sheep; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D013395:Sucrose / Q000737:chemistry
D005732:Gangliosides; D012794:Sialic Acids; D013395:Sucrose; C016481:trisialoganglioside GT1; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases