The Abbott HBV RUO Sequencing assay (Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL), which combines automated sample processing, real-time PCR, and bidirectional DNA sequencing, was evaluated for detection of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) resistance-associated mutations located in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase (Pol) gene.
To prime multispecific T cell responses, we constructed DNA vaccines that coexpress chimeric, multidomain Ags (with CD8 T cell-defined epitopes of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (S), core (C), and polymerase (Pol) proteins and/or the OVA Ag as stress protein-capturing fusion proteins.
The HBV polymerase (Pol) gene overlaps the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a frame-shifted manner with the result that drug-resistant mutations in the HBV Pol can directly impact on the nature of HBsAg and its function.
This correlated with reduced levels of secreted hepatitis B e antigen and increased intracellular levels of core and Pol proteins and replicative HBV DNA intermediates.