Cercopithecine gammaherpesvirus 14

Cercopithecine gammaherpesvirus 14 (CeHV-14) is a species of virus in the genus Lymphocryptovirus, subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, family Herpesviridae, and order Herpesvirales.^[1] . This virus is also known as the African green monkey EBV-like virus, reflecting its close relationship to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its natural host species.

Cercopithecine gammaherpesvirus 14
Virus classification
(unranked):	Virus
Realm:	Duplodnaviria
Kingdom:	Heunggongvirae
Phylum:	Peploviricota
Class:	Herviviricetes
Order:	Herpesvirales
Family:	Orthoherpesviridae
Genus:	Lymphocryptovirus
Species:	Cercopithecine gammaherpesvirus 14
Synonyms
African green monkey EBV-like virus

Taxonomy and Classification CeHV-14 belongs to the genus Lymphocryptovirus, which comprises nine recognized species of gammaherpesviruses that primarily infect primates. The genus is characterized by viruses that share genomic organization and biological properties with human EBV (Human gammaherpesvirus 4), including the presence of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) genes and their homologs.

Taxonomic hierarchy:

Order: Herpesvirales

Family: Herpesviridae

Subfamily: Gammaherpesvirinae

Genus: Lymphocryptovirus

Species: Cercopithecine gammaherpesvirus 14

Host Species and Distribution CeHV-14 naturally infects African green monkeys, specifically members of the genus Chlorocebus, which includes several subspecies collectively known as vervets or African green monkeys:

Chlorocebus aethiops aethiops (grivet)

Chlorocebus aethiops pygerythrus (vervet)

Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus (sabaeus or green monkey)

These Old World monkeys are native to sub-Saharan Africa, with their range extending across most of the continent. Caribbean populations of C. a. sabaeus exist due to historical introductions during the colonial period.

Viral Structure and Genome As a member of Gammaherpesvirinae, CeHV-14 shares common structural characteristics with other herpesviruses in this subfamily:

Physical structure:

Enveloped virion with icosahedral capsid

Spherical to pleomorphic morphology

T=16 symmetry

Diameter approximately 150-200 nm

Linear, non-segmented double-stranded DNA genome

Genome size approximately 180 kb

Biology and Life Cycle CeHV-14 follows the typical gammaherpesvirus life cycle pattern:

Primary targets: B-lymphocytes, consistent with other lymphocryptoviruses

Entry mechanism: Viral glycoproteins mediate attachment to host cell receptors, followed by endocytosis

Replication: Nuclear replication using the dsDNA bidirectional replication model

Latency: Like other lymphocryptoviruses, CeHV-14 likely establishes latent infection in B-lymphocytes with episomal maintenance of the viral genome

Transmission: Saliva is the primary transmission route, similar to EBV in humans

Relationship to Human EBV CeHV-14 is part of the lymphocryptovirus group that shows remarkable similarity to human EBV. These Old World monkey lymphocryptoviruses demonstrate:

Genomic homology: 70-95% homology in lytic genes and 30-80% in latent genes compared to EBV

Identical gene repertoire: Same complement of lytic and latent infection genes as EBV

Functional similarity: Ability to immortalize B-lymphocytes in culture

Cross-species potential: Capability to infect cells from related primate species

Clinical Significance Natural Host Infections In its natural African green monkey hosts, CeHV-14 typically causes:

Asymptomatic or mild primary infections

Establishment of lifelong latent infection

Periodic reactivation with viral shedding

Research Applications African green monkey lymphocryptoviruses, including CeHV-14, serve important roles in research:

Disease modeling: These viruses provide valuable models for studying EBV-associated diseases, including:

Infectious mononucleosis

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD)

Lymphomas and other malignancies

Comparative studies: The close evolutionary relationship between CeHV-14 and EBV makes African green monkeys useful for investigating viral pathogenesis and host immune responses.

Laboratory Considerations Like other primate herpesviruses, CeHV-14 is relevant for laboratory animal management:

High seroprevalence in wild-caught animals

Potential for reactivation under immunosuppressive conditions

Important consideration in research using African green monkeys

Evolutionary Context CeHV-14 represents part of the co-evolutionary history between Old World primates and their lymphocryptoviruses. These viruses likely co-speciated with their hosts, resulting in the close evolutionary relationship observed between primate lymphocryptoviruses and their respective host species.

The presence of distinct lymphocryptoviruses in different primate species, including CeHV-14 in African green monkeys, provides insights into:

Primate evolution and biogeography

Host-virus co-evolution

Origins of human EBV infection

Conservation and One Health Implications Understanding CeHV-14 and related primate herpesviruses is important for:

Wildlife conservation: Monitoring viral diseases in wild African green monkey populations

Zoonotic disease surveillance: Although direct human infection with CeHV-14 is not documented, the close relationship to EBV warrants continued monitoring

Captive primate management: Proper health screening and management of laboratory and zoo populations

CeHV-14 exemplifies the complex relationships between herpesviruses and their natural hosts, serving as both a naturally occurring infection of African green monkeys and a valuable research tool for understanding human EBV-related diseases.