BHRF 1 protein, molecular model. This protein, coded in the genetic material of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), is almost identical to a protein in human cells that increases the malignancy of B- cell lymphoma, a cancer of a type of white blood cell. EBV is a virus of the herpes family and one of the most common viruses in humans. Usually infection results in no symptoms, but sometimes it can lead to infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). In this model, solid colours represent the secondary structure of the protein (spiral ribbons are alpha helices), and the faded tubular structure behind represents the individual atoms and bonds.