Development, Production, and Characterization of Hepatitis B Subviral Envelope Particles as a Third-Generation Vaccine

Vaccination still represents the most efficient and inexpensive strategy in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, about 10% of the population vaccinated with the current S yeast-derived vaccine fail to induce an adequate immune response. Our group has developed a new-generation hepatitis B vaccine candidate composed by the three surface proteins of the HBV. Here we describe the methods to develop and characterize a stable CHO-K1 recombinant cell line able to produce and secrete hepatitis B subviral envelope particles (HBV-SVPs) containing L and M glycoproteins in addition to S glycoprotein. In addition, Western blot and immunogold electron microscopy techniques to evaluate the size, morphology, and composition of the particles are explained. Finally, immunization protocols are described in order to study the immunogenicity of HBV-SVPs and the ability of the antibodies triggered by these particles to recognize the binding site of HBV with the hepatocyte.