biostudies-literatureMiller NJNational Cancer InstituteNCI NIH HHSProstate Cancer Foundation131https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6258401biostudies-literatureUnknown6(1)<h4>Background</h4>Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer that frequently responds to anti-PD-1 therapy. MCC is associated with sun exposure and, in 80% of cases, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV-specific T and B cell responses provide a unique opportunity to study cancer-specific immunity throughout PD-1 blockade therapy.<h4>Methods</h4>Immune responses were assessed in patients (n = 26) with advanced MCC receiving pembrolizumab. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected at baseline and throughout treatment. MCPyV-oncoprotein antibodies were quantified and T cells were assessed for MCPyV-specificity via tetramer staining and/or cytokine secretion. Pre-treatment tumor biopsies were analyzed for T cell receptor clonality.<h4>Results</h4>MCPyV oncoprotJournal for immunotherapy of cancerMerkel cell polyomavirus-specific immune responses in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma receiving anti-PD-1 therapy.PMC625840115CHAS04R01 CA162522P30 CA015704UM1 CA154967K24 CA139052Lundgren LMiller NJRamchurren NKulikauskas RCheever MABhatia SFling SPChurch CDKluger HMNghiem PShinohara MMTopalian SLfalseMerkel cell polyomavirus-specific immune responses in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma receiving anti-PD-1 therapy.<h4>Background</h4>Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer that frequently responds to anti-PD-1 therapy. MCC is associated with sun exposure and, in 80% of cases, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV-specific T and B cell responses provide a unique opportunity to study cancer-specific immunity throughout PD-1 blockade therapy.<h4>Methods</h4>Immune responses were assessed in patients (n = 26) with advanced MCC receiving pembrolizumab. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected at baseline and throughout treatment. MCPyV-oncoprotein antibodies were quantified and T cells were assessed for MCPyV-specificity via tetramer staining and/or cytokine secretion. Pre-treatment tumor biopsies were analyzed for T cell receptor clonality.<h4>Results</h4>MCPyV oncoprot2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Nov2026-07-16T11:35:12.686Z2019-03-27T00:10:05ZS-EPMC62584013048224710.1186/s40425-018-0450-7