Development of a non-replicative, single shot DNA-based vaccine expressing all hepatitis B viral antigens

Introduction: The activity of a broad based cellular immune response to different HBV antigens is an important factor contributing to virus elimination. Our aim was to develop a single shot DNA vaccine expressing all HBV antigens but lacking replication. Therefore, a CMV-promoter based plasmid producing a HBV pregenome lacking the first 43 nt resulting in a mutated epsilon-signal and subsequently a defective pregenome encapsidation (pCH3143) was employed. Materials and methods: pCH3143 was transfected in G8 murine myoblast and Huh–7 human hepatoma cells. Expression of HBcAg, HBsAgs, HBeAg, polymerase, and HBxAg…