Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1

Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA-1) is a protein produced by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is a common virus associated with infectious mononucleosis and certain cancers. EBNA-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining the virus's DNA within infected cells, allowing the infection to persist over time. It helps the virus hide from the immune system and ensures the viral genetic material is properly replicated and passed on during cell division. This ability to maintain and protect the viral DNA is key to the virus's long-term presence in the body.