EIF2AK2 and Epstein-Barr virus infection: According to one model, PKR may induce apoptosis; EBERs antagonize PKR-mediated apoptosis, whereas L22 competes with PKR for EBERs binding and abolishes the anti-apoptotic activity of EBERs. The anti-apoptotic activity of EBERs is consistent with the finding that EBV infection could reduce apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma [8,9].