Characterization of an early passage Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma cell line, MS-1, and its growth in NOD scid gamma mice

► Establishment of a new MCV-positive MCC cell line, MS-1. ► MS-1 immunohistochemical profile is in accordance with MCC diagnostic criteria. ► Determination of MCV sequence and viral integration site in MS-1 cell line. ► Comparison of viral gene and protein expression in different MCC cell lines. ► In vivo xenograft study demonstrating MS-1 tumorigenicity.