Subfamily: Gammaherpesvirinae

Genus: Rhadinovirus

Distinguishing features

The predicted amino acid sequences of members of the genus form a distinct lineage within the subfamily (Figure 1. Gammaherpesvirinae). 

Virion

See discussion under family description. 

Genome organization and replication

Members have a class 2 genome architecture (Figure 2. Herpesviridae and Figure 5. Herpesviridae). 

Biology

Members have mammals as hosts. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV in the species Human gammaherpesvirus 8) is an oncovirus, causing Kaposi’s sarcoma and, more rarely, a number of other cancers, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. 

Species demarcation criteria

See discussion under family description.