BIODEGRADABLE NANOCOMPLEX VACCINES, METHODS FOR SUPPRESSION OF HEPAPITIS B VIRUS REPLICATION AND HEPAPITIS B VIRUS SURFACE ANTIGEN SECRETION

摘要

A hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine includes an HBV core antigen (HBcAg) and/or HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) formulated in nanocomplexes. The nanocomplexes contain chitosan and g-PGA. These nanocomplexes containing HBc/sAg, chitosan, and g-PGA can induce more balanced T helper cells (Th1 and Th2) polarization than can a conventional vaccine with an alum adjuvant. HBc/s-NC of the invention can elicit high levels of antibodies against HBsAg, a rapid elimination of HBsAg, and a slow decrease of HBeAg, indicating a phenomenon of HBsAg seroconversion. Thus, HBc/s-NC can overcome immune tolerance caused by chronic HBV infection to re-establish host immunity leading a functional cure.