[Ancient variants of the Epstein-Barr virus (Herpesviridae, Lymphocryptovirus, HHV-4): hypotheses and facts.]

Molecular studies have shown that viruses appeared in the early stages of the evolution of life. For millions of years, viruses have evolved by changing old and acquiring new sequences in their RNA or DNA. It is assumed that most viruses have common ancestors. Such an ancestor, an ancient strain, probably existed for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as well. To find out whether ancient strains of EBV persist in modern Russian ethnic groups today. The object of the study was the EBV Analysis of LMP1 sequences from washings of the Slavs oral cavity demonstrated the presence of LMP1 variants with varying degrees of transforming potential: B98.5/A, China1, Med-, and NC. The analysis of LMP1 sequences from washings of Tatar oral cavity also made it possible to identify oncoprotein variants such as B95.8/A, China1, Med-, as well as a group of variants out of classifications (LMP1-OK). An important finding was the identification of 7 variants of LMP1 from Tatars, designated as LMP1-Tat The data obtained allowed us to suggest that: 1) LMP1-Tat

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

The authors declare no conflict of interest.