Apoptosis

Description: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also designated human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a member of the herpesvirus family and is one of the most common human viruses. EBV infects B cells and, though often asymptomatic, it can cause infectious mononucleosis, a disease characterized by fatigue, fever, sore throat and muscle soreness. The EBV-induced early antigens (Ea) are among several antigen complexes that have been identified in EBV-infected cells. The Ea complex is composed of diffuse (EaD) and restricted (EaR) components. The activity of EaD is suppressed during latent infection. BMRF1, the gene that encodes for EaD, is closely associated with the gene encoding for EBV DNA polymerase, and EaD is essential for the activity of this polymerase. EaD forms a complex with EBV DNase and, together, they may play a role in viral replication.