[Retroviral vector-mediated HBsAg expression and its stability]

Area of Science:

• Gene therapy
• Virology
• Molecular biology

Context:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Gene therapy offers a potential therapeutic strategy for chronic HBV infection.
• Retroviral vectors are a common tool for gene delivery in therapeutic applications.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the stability and infectivity of a retroviral vector (Plxsn-HBs) carrying the HBV S gene.
• To assess the long-term efficacy of pseudoviruses after cryopreservation at various temperatures.
• To determine the suitability of retroviral vectors for hepatitis B gene therapy applications.

Summary:

• A recombinant retroviral vector, Plxsn-HBs, was constructed and used to produce pseudoviruses.
• Pseudoviruses were stored at -20°C, -40°C, and -70°C for up to 24 months.
• Infectivity and antigen expression were assessed in HepG2, NIH3T3, and 293 cells, showing no significant loss of activity after 2 years at -70°C.

Impact:

• Demonstrates the potential for long-term storage of retroviral vectors for gene therapy.
• Provides crucial data on the stability of HBV-gene carrying vectors.
• Supports the development of gene therapy as a viable treatment option for hepatitis B.