The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a significant global health concern, causing both acute and chronic infections that can lead to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HBV core antigen (HBcAg) is a critical component of the virus, playing a vital role in its replication and assembly. The recombinant form of HBV core antigen, specifically the 1-186 amino acid (a.a.) sequence, is widely used in research and diagnostic applications.
The HBV core antigen is a structural protein that forms the nucleocapsid of the virus. The nucleocapsid encapsulates the viral DNA and the polymerase enzyme, which are essential for viral replication. The core antigen is composed of 183 to 185 amino acids, depending on the HBV genotype. The recombinant HBV core antigen (1-186 a.a.) includes the entire core protein sequence, ensuring that all functional domains are present.
The core antigen self-assembles into an icosahedral capsid, which is crucial for the virus’s life cycle. The capsid protects the viral genome and facilitates its transport to the nucleus of the host cell. Additionally, the core antigen interacts with various host cell proteins, influencing the virus’s replication and persistence.
The recombinant HBV core antigen (1-186 a.a.) is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. The gene encoding the core antigen is cloned into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into E. coli cells. The bacteria express the core antigen, which is subsequently purified using chromatographic techniques. The recombinant protein is often tagged with a histidine (His) tag to facilitate purification and detection .
The recombinant HBV core antigen (1-186 a.a.) is extensively used in various research and diagnostic applications: