[Immunogenicity of a multiple epitope DNA vaccine against hepatitis B virus].

AIM:To study the immunogenicity of a multiple epitope DNA vaccine against hepatitis B virus(HBV). METHODS:A multiple epitope HBV antigen gene BPT was synthesized and cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 and then BALB/c mice were immunized with the DNA vaccine. The specific humoral and cellular immune responses were detected by indirect ELISA, cytotoxicity of CTL, and lymphocyte proliferation. The immunized mice were also observed for the possible toxicity and side effects after administration of the DNA vaccine. RESULTS:Immunization with pcDNA3.1/BPT elicited high-level antigen-specific IgG and antigen-specific CTL response, and stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. RT-PCR analysis of spleen lymphocytes showed that levels of IL-12 mRNA in immunized mice were notably higher than that in control mice. CONCLUSION:The multiple epitope HBV DNA vaccine can induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses, which lays a certain foundation for development of prophylactic and therapeutic HBV vaccine.