Lymphocryptovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Herpesviridae, in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae. This genus includes the human-infecting Human gammaherpesvirus 4 (Epstein–Barr virus), as well as viruses that infect both Old World monkeys and New World monkeys.[1] Other names for the Lymphocryptovirus genus include Lymphocryptoviridae (suffix -viridae implying family rank, although this is not the accepted taxonomy) and gamma-1 herpesviruses. There are nine species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include: mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.[2] [3]
The genus consists of the following nine species:
Viruses in Lymphocryptovirus are enveloped, with icosahedral, spherical to pleomorphic, and round geometries, and T=16 symmetry. The diameter is around 150-200 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 180kb in length.
| Genus | Structure | Symmetry ! | Capsid | Genomic arrangement | Genomic segmentation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphocryptovirus | Spherical pleomorphic | T=16 | Enveloped | Linear | Monopartite |
Viral replication is nuclear, and is lysogenic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral glycoproteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the dsDNA bidirectional replication model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear egress, and budding.Human and mammals serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are zoonosis, bite, contact, and saliva.