Transduction-Induced Overexpression of Merkel Cell T Antigens in Human Hair Follicles Induces Formation of Pathological Cell Clusters with Merkel Cell Carcinoma-Like Phenotype

The pilot study "Transduction‐induced overexpression of Merkel cell T antigens in human hair follicles induces formation of pathological cell clusters with Merkel cell carcinoma‐like phenotype" suggests that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer, may originate from epithelial cells present in hair follicles (HFs). The researchers overexpressed Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens (TA) in human scalp HFs and observed the formation of cell clusters with a morphology similar to MCC cells. These clusters showed high expression of MCC markers, suggesting an MCC-like phenotype. However, the study has limitations, including no proof of immortalization and no precise identification of the lentivirus-transduced HF cells. Despite these limitations, the findings could be significant for the development of MCC transgenic mice models.