title: Synthesis in animal cells of hepatitis B surface antigen particles carrying a receptor for polymerized human serum albumin.
abstract: A recombinant plasmid (pSVS dhfr) encoding the pre-S region and the S gene of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and murine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) cDNA has been used for the transfection of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) DHFR- cells. Selection of clones resistant to methotrexate has permitted amplification of HBV sequences and an increase in production of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HBV-specific transcripts have been characterized. The HBsAg 22-nm particles contain a receptor for polymerized human serum albumin (pHSA) and elicit in animals the synthesis of antireceptor antibodies. This property is ascribed to a 34,000-dalton polypeptide in the particles, which is most likely encoded by the S gene and part of the pre-S region. Especially because the pHSA receptor is most abundantly present on the virion and because, in hepatitis B infection, the appearance of anti-pHSA receptor antibodies seems to be a highly reliable criterion for viral clearance, the HBsAg particles obtained may constitute a particularly efficient vaccine.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D005260:Female; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D051379:Mice; D010053:Ovary; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism; D013762:Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012709:Serum Albumin; D004247:DNA; D013762:Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes