[Approaches to developing an optimal vaccine against hepatitis B viruses]

Using recombinant DNA methods, many different approaches may be followed to optimize immunoprophylaxis against hepatitis B viruses. Most obviously a future vaccine should contain besides the known major surface protein two further envelope proteins which have recently been identified. All three envelope proteins should be present on the same particle in natural proportion and conformation. Such a vaccine may induce a more reliable and more durable immune protection even in difficult cases. The protective potential of the viral core protein, in particular of HBeAg, ought to be studied further experimentally. Possibly, the core proteins may be helpful in an immune therapy of already infected persons.