The Gibbon ape leukemia virus, also known as GaLV, is a retrovirus that affects gibbons and has been found in numerous primate species. The spelling of this word in IPA phonetic transcription is gɪbən eɪp lʊkiːmiə ˈvaɪrəs. The "g" is pronounced as in "go," followed by "ɪ" as in "sit" and then "b" as in "boy." The "ən" syllable is pronounced with a neutral vowel sound. The remaining syllables are pronounced as written.
Gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) is a type of retrovirus that predominantly infects gibbons, a small species of arboreal primates native to Southeast Asia. GALV belongs to the family of oncoviruses and is a member of the genus Gammaretrovirus.
This virus is known to cause leukemia and other hematological disorders in gibbons, with symptoms including uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells, anemia, and suppression of the immune system. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, such as saliva, blood, and urine.
Gibbon ape leukemia virus is closely related to other retroviruses, such as the Murine leukemia virus (MLV) and the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which affect mice and cats, respectively. Like other retroviruses, GALV has an RNA genome that gets converted into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase upon entering the host cell. This DNA is then integrated into the host's genome, allowing the virus to replicate and potentially cause disease.
Research on gibbon ape leukemia virus has significantly contributed to our understanding of retroviruses and cancer biology, highlighting the complex interplay between viral infections and the development of leukemia. Studies on this virus have led to the development of valuable animal models for leukemia research, aiding in the development of potential therapeutic strategies for both human and animal leukemia patients.