Characterization of an Epstein-Barr virus-related gammaherpesvirus from common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

J Gen Virol. 2002 Jul;83(Pt 7):1621-1633. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-83-7-1621.

Abstract

A gammaherpesvirus related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV; Human herpesvirus 4) infects otherwise healthy common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Long-term culture of common marmoset peripheral blood lymphocytes resulted in outgrowth of spontaneously immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines, primarily of B cell lineage. Electron microscopy of cells and supernatants showed herpesvirus particles. There were high rates of serological cross-reactivity to other herpesviruses (68-86%), but with very low geometric mean antibody titres [1:12 to human herpesvirus 6 and 1:14 to Herpesvirus papio (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 12)]. Sequence analysis of the conserved herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene showed that the virus is a member of the lymphocryptovirus subgroup and is most closely related to a lymphocryptovirus from rhesus macaques and is closely related to EBV and Herpesvirus papio. High seroprevalence (79%, with geometric mean antibody titre of 1:110) among 28 common marmosets from two geographically distinct colonies indicated that the virus is likely present in many common marmosets in captivity. A New World primate harbouring a lymphocryptovirus suggests that this subgroup arose much earlier than previously thought.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Callithrix / immunology
  • Callithrix / virology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cross Reactions
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics
  • Gammaherpesvirinae / classification*
  • Gammaherpesvirinae / genetics
  • Gammaherpesvirinae / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / ultrastructure
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase

Associated data

  • PIR/AF291653