Dual defects in HBsAg antigenicity and secretion caused by the C138R mutation in the S gene trigger occult hepatitis B virus infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) carries high risk of transmissibility and pathogenicity. Mutations in the S gene are considered major contributors to OBI development. Our previous study identified the C138R mutation in the S gene of OBI patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the C138R mutation on HBsAg function and its mechanisms leading to OBI.

Methods

Full-length hepatitis B virus (HBV) plasmids (HBV 1.3, genotype B) and mutant plasmids (HBV C138R) were constructed, along with HA-tagged wild-type (sWT) and mutant (sC138R) S protein expression plasmids. The effects of the C138R mutation on HBsAg antigenicity, secretion, and dimer formation were evaluated through in vitro cell transfection and in vivo hydrodynamic tail vein injection in m

SUBMITTER: Hong X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12679743 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature