Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 20, 2026

Lymphocryptovirus

Lymphocryptovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Orthoherpesviridae, in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae. This genus includes the human-infecting Epstein–Barr virus, as well as viruses that infect both Old World monkeys and New World monkeys. Other names for the Lymphocryptovirus genus include Lymphocryptoviridae and gamma-1 herpesviruses. There are nine species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include: mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

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Lymphocryptovirus
Electron microscopic image of two Epstein–Barr virus virions (viral particles) showing round capsids (protein-encased genetic material) loosely surrounded by the membrane envelope
Electron micrograph of two Epstein–Barr virus virions (viral particles) showing round capsids loosely surrounded by the membrane envelope
Virus classification Edit this classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Duplodnaviria
Kingdom: Heunggongvirae
Phylum: Peploviricota
Class: Herviviricetes
Order: Herpesvirales
Family: Orthoherpesviridae
Subfamily: Gammaherpesvirinae
Genus: Lymphocryptovirus
Species

See text

Synonyms1
  • Unnamed genus 3
  • Gamma-1 herpesviruses

Lymphocryptovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Orthoherpesviridae, in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae. This genus includes the human-infecting Epstein–Barr virus, as well as viruses that infect both Old World monkeys and New World monkeys.2 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.34

Species

The genus contains the following species, listed by scientific name and followed by the common name of the species:45

Structure

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.3

Genus Structure Symmetry Capsid Genomic arrangement Genomic segmentation
Lymphocryptovirus Spherical pleomorphic T=16 Enveloped Linear Monopartite

Life cycle

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.3

Genus Host details Tissue tropism Entry details Release details Replication site Assembly site Transmission
Lymphocryptovirus Humans; mammals B-lymphocytes Glycoprotiens Budding Nucleus Nucleus Saliva
References

References

  1. "ICTV Taxonomy history: Lymphocryptovirus" (html). International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  2. Wang F, Rivailler P, Rao P, Cho Y (2001). "Simian homologues of Epstein-Barr virus". Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 356 (1408): 489–97. doi:10.1098/rstb.2000.0776. PMC 1088440. PMID 11313007.
  3. "Viral Zone". ExPASy. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  4. "Virus Taxonomy: 2023 Release". ictv.global. International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  5. "Species List: Orthoherpesviridae". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
External links