Equid alphaherpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) (EHV-4)

Equine Herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4), also known as Equid alphaherpesvirus 4, is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae and the genus Varicellovirus [UniProt, Wikipedia]. It is a major cause of equine rhinopneumonitis, a highly contagious respiratory disease in horses characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy [AAEP, Merck Animal Health]. Unlike its close relative EHV-1, EHV-4 typically remains restricted to the upper respiratory tract, although it can occasionally lead to abortion or neurological disease [AAEP, TAMU]. The virus utilizes host major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules as entry receptors to invade equine cells [NIH, Journal of General Virology]. EHV-4 establishes lifelong latency in the trigeminal ganglia, allowing for periodic reactivation and shedding during periods of stress [Wikipedia, MDPI]. Therapeutic management relies heavily on vaccination and supportive care, as specific antiviral drugs like acyclovir and ganciclovir often exhibit limited or inconsistent efficacy in equine patients [NIH, MSD Veterinary Manual]. Research into novel inhibitors targeting viral proteins such as DNA polymerase or glycoproteins remains an area of active investigation to improve disease management in the equine industry [NIH, Virus Research].

Other names

Equine herpesvirus 4Equid herpesvirus 4Equine rhinopneumonitis virusVaricellovirus equidalpha49ALPHEquine herpesvirus type 4

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase; Inhibition of viral helicase-primase complex; Induction of host interferon response