HBs Antigen mRNA-LNP
HBs antigen is the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the presence of which in the blood indicates current HBV infection. The large envelope protein of the virus, also known as the large S protein, exists in two topological conformations, one which is termed 'external' or Le-HBsAg and the other 'internal' or Li-HBsAg. In its external conformation, the protein attaches the virus to cellular receptors, where it initiates infection. This interaction determines species specificity and hepatic tropism. The large S protein is the major surface antigen. The first HBV vaccine was made by purifying and inactivating HBsAg obtained from the plasma of chronic HBV carriers. The vaccine is now produced by recombinant DNA technology and expression of the S subtype. Chronic HBV infection is a major health burden, estimated to affect approximately 290 million people worldwide. Serological HBs antigen is a classic marker of HBV infection and is usually detected by blood tests. Antibodies against HBsAg are commonly regarded as neutralizing, and the presence of anti-HBs indicates resolution of HBV infection. Previous studies reported a rare serological pattern of HBsAg coexisting with anti-HBs in chronic HBV patients. The proportion of anti-HBs patients was less than 10%. In patients with chronic HBV, the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs may increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, which may be associated with disease progression and long-term prognosis.
This product is designed as a tool for the delivery and expression of HBs antigen mRNA for research. The product leverages the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology platform for simple and efficient delivery of HBs antigen mRNA to a variety of mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. The LNPs used are formulated with SM-102, DSPC, cholesterol and DMG-PEG2000 at an optimal molar concentration for a high rate of encapsulation and efficient mRNA delivery. HBs antigen is the large S protein of HBV, approximately 43 kD, consisting of 389 amino acids. The GenPept accession number for the large S protein is YP_009173869.