Host gene expression changes in cattle infected with Alcelaphine herpesvirus 1

► Microarray expression study of AlHV-1 infection in the natural (bovine) host. ► 35 genes had significantly altered expression in MCF-affected lymph node and kidney. ► Cytotoxic effector genes were up-regulated in both tissues. ► T cell chemokines and inflammatory cytokines were up-regulated in both tissues. ► Results consistent with chronic inflammatory pathology involving IFNγ.