Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Large T Antigen Binding to pRb Promotes Skin Hyperplasia and Tumor Development

In Merkel cell carcinoma tumors, Merkel cell polyomavirus large tumor was truncated in a manner that renders the virus unable to replicate yet preserves the LXCXE motif that facilitated its binding to and inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein.