The present invention relates, in general, to Epstein Barr virus induced (EBI) genes. In particular, the present invention relates to DNA segments coding for EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptides; EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptides; recombinant DNA molecules; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecules; antisense EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 constructs; antibodies having binding affinity to an EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptide; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of the presence of Epstein Barr Virus; a method of detecting Epstein Barr virus in a sample; and kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies.