Sequence analysis of Raji Epstein-Barr virus DNA

The DNA sequence of the EcoRI Dhet and part of the BamHI E fragments of Raji EBV has been determined. Precise locations of two deletions in Raji DNA have been identified and their consequences for gene structure evaluated. The deletion in Raji of reading frames BALF1, BARF1, and BZLF2 and truncation of BALF2 and BERF5 probably account for the replication defect in this strain. The degree of sequence variation between B95-8 and Raji has been examined and shows considerable variation between genes. The latent membrane protein gene is exceptionally polymorphic and the initiator methionine for the late productive cycle protein overlapping the latent membrane protein is absent in Raji.