Its
genetic structure has been fully sequenced and found to be highly homologous with that of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), at 65%. The structural proteins are highly conserved, while genes expressed during
Human gammaherpesvirus 4 latent infection are much less well conserved. Even in cases where genes have low
homology, the RLV infection genes are functionally interchangeable with EBV genes. RLV infection in rhesus monkeys resembles EBV infection in humans in several respects: • Oral transmission, • Atypical
lymphocytosis •
Lymphadenopathy • Activation of
CD23+ peripheral blood
B cells • Sustained serologic responses to
lytic and
latent Human gammaherpesvirus 4 antigens • Latent infection in the peripheral blood • Virus persistence in
oropharyngeal secretions These features make the rhesus lymphocryptovirus potentially useful for studying the
pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of EBV infection and associated
oncogenesis. ==References==