Coexpression of hepatitis B surface and core antigen using a bidirectional vector

In order to develop an experimental multivalent immunogen for the broad spectrum stimulation of immune response against hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis B virus surface and core antigens (HBsAg/HBcAg) genes encoding the small (S) surface antigen (HBsAg) or the core (C) antigen (HBcAg) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) were cloned into the bidirectional expression vectors pBI under HCMV-IE promoter control in which the antigens HBcAg and HBsAg are coexpressed. Transient in vitro transfection studies demonstrated that HBcAg and HBsAg are coexpressed from this construct. Polycistronic constructs thus offer a novel approach for the design of polyvalent vaccines that efficiently could induce immune response and exploit new ways for immunization.

Keywords:

HBV , coexpression , HBcAg , HBsAg