Molecular and genetic aspects of the immune responses to hepatitis B viral antigens.
In the absence of an inbred animal model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, several laboratories have chosen to study the murine immune response to HBV-encoded proteins as immunogens as opposed to an infectious agent. This article reviews the immunogenicity, the fine specificity of T and B cell recognition of HBV antigens, and the genetic influences that regulate these responses. It is anticipated that this approach will increase our understanding of immune-mediated viral clearance mechanisms during HBV infection, and may provide the framework for the design of second and third generation HBV vaccines.
Milich
D R
DR
Department of Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California 92037.
D000818:Animals; D000939:Epitopes / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice
D000939:Epitopes; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens