INSERM: Almost everybody has it: Scientists estimate that
approximately 95 percent of adults around the world are infected with
the Epstein-Barr virus. In rare cases, an infection with this virus
causes cancer. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ),
at the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), and at the French
National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) have now
discovered that a component of the Epstein-Barr virus infectious
particle promotes carcinogenesis. This viral protein interferes with
cell division and impairs proper distribution of the genetic material to
the two daughter cells. This confers a risk of subsequent cancer
development.
