Molecular genetic factors of oncogenesis associated with the Epstein–Barr virus

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus type 4, which is carried by the majority of the world’s population. Its etiologic role in the development of various lymphomas, nasopharyngeal cancer, gastric cancer, and other malignancies has been proven. The mechanisms and participants of EBV-associated oncogenesis are actively studied. This review describes the molecular genetic diversity of EBV associated with the development of cancer. A literature review revealed that EBV is characterized by high structural and functional diversity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Based on polymorphism of EBV genes EBNA-1, EBNA-2, EBNA-LP, EBER, BZLF1, LMP-2A and LMP-1, various mutations, types, and variants, associated with malignant transformation and the development of various cancer types were identified. Aim. To summarize and analyze literature data devoted to the study of the genetic diversity of EBV for the prospective development of molecular biological research methodology in clinical practice, as well as the development of diagnostic tools, specific prevention and therapy of EBV-associated oncological diseases based on the products of the viral genome.