T-Cell Lymphoma Caused by Herpesvirus Saimiri C488 Independently of<i>ie14/vsag</i>, a Viral Gene with Superantigen Homology

Abstract

The immediate-early gene ie14/vsag of herpesvirus saimiri has homology with murine superantigens. We compared the pathogenesis of infection with either ie14/vsag deletion mutants or wild-type virus C488 in cottontop tamarin monkeys (Saguinus oedipus). Two weeks after infection, all animals developed acute T-cell lymphomas independently of the presence of the viral ie14/vsag gene.