Molecular biology of bovine herpesvirus type 4

Vet Microbiol. 1992 Nov;33(1-4):79-92. doi: 10.1016/0378-1135(92)90037-t.

Abstract

Bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) is a ubiquitous virus of cattle. Its genome is a 144 +/- 6 kb double-stranded DNA consisting of a unique central part (L-DNA) flanked at both ends by tandem repeats called polyrepetitive DNA (prDNA or H-DNA). The overall arrangement of genes has been obtained by the analysis of homologies between short BHV-4 DNA sequences and corresponding genes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpesvirus saimiri (HVS). The gene expression is temporally regulated. Glycoprotein precursor p (gp10/gp17) is expressed as gamma 1 polypeptide. Glycoproteins gp1, gp8, gp11 and their precursors are gamma 2 proteins. The analysis of strain variations allows the definition of two types of strains, based on the DNA patterns: the Movar 33/63-like and the DN 599-like strains. Only the M40 strain, isolated in India, fails to fit this classification. The genomic variations have been compiled to build a dendrogram showing three levels of divergence between BHV-4 strains or isolates. The available molecular data indicate that the BHV-4 genome shares much similarity with the DNA of EBV and HVS, two representative members of the gammaherpesvirinae. BHV-4 may therefore be classified in the subfamily gammaherpesvirinae.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / microbiology*
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
  • Genes, Viral
  • Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Herpesviridae / classification
  • Herpesviridae / genetics*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / microbiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Glycoproteins