Conformational studies of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by amino acid analysis

The amino acid composition of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) purified from plasma of asymptomatic carriers was examined for further structural analyses. The protein of HBsAg sperical particles was characterized by the high contents of cystine, proline and tryptophan residues. A high a-helical content of HBsAg was discussed on amino acid composition.