HBeAg
Description
Role in Viral Replication and Immune Evasion
HBeAg facilitates HBV persistence through immune evasion and hepatocyte protection:
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Immune Suppression:
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Hepatocyte Protection: Interferes with pro-apoptotic signaling (e.g., Fas/FasL), promoting hepatocyte survival and viral persistence .
Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Markers
HBeAg status correlates with viral replication intensity and transmission risk:
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Acute Infection:
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Chronic Infection:
| Infection Stage | HBeAg Level | HBV DNA | ALT | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute | High | High | Elevated | Active replication, high infectivity |
| Chronic (Immune Tolerant) | High | High | Normal | Viral persistence, low liver injury |
| Chronic (Immune Active) | Declining | Intermediate | Elevated | Immune-mediated liver damage |
| Immunosuppression-Driven Reactivation | Very High | Very High | Variable | Severe flare-ups, high transmission risk |
HBeAg Dynamics Across Infection Stages
Quantitative HBeAg (qHBeAg) levels vary significantly by infection phase:
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Acute Infection: Median qHBeAg = NR (rapid seroconversion to anti-HBe).
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Chronic Infection: Median qHBeAg = 481 PEIU/mL (declines with immune activation).
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Immunosuppression-Driven Reactivation: Median qHBeAg = 930 PEIU/mL (highest levels observed) .
Spontaneous HBeAg Loss and Predictive Factors
Spontaneous HBeAg loss is a favorable outcome, influenced by host and viral factors:
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Global Incidence Rate: 6.46/100 person-years (pooled meta-analysis) .
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Regional Variations:
Region HBeAg Loss Rate (per 100 PYs) HBV Genotype Dominance Europe 13.67 A, D North America 7.34 A, B, C Western Pacific 2.4–6.0 B, C Africa 7.43 A, E
Predictive Models:
A nomogram incorporating HBeAg, AST, and age predicts non-minimal liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with ALT <80 U/L .
| Variable | OR (95% CI) | P-value |
|---|---|---|
| HBeAg (S/CO) | 1.51 (1.14–2.00) | 0.005 |
| AST (U/L) | 1.04 (1.02–1.06) | <0.001 |
| Age (years) | 0.97 (0.95–0.99) | 0.017 |
Therapeutic Targeting and Research Directions
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RNAi-Based Therapies:
| Therapeutic Approach | HBeAg Reduction | HBV DNA Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ARC-520 (Single Dose) | >96% (Day 1) → 50% (Months 1–4) | Minimal direct effect |
| Entecavir | None | >99.8% decline |
Product Specs
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Chronic HBV infection can lead to serious complications such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. The virus's core gene produces two key proteins: HBcAg and HBeAg. HBcAg forms the viral nucleocapsid, which encases the viral DNA and essential enzymes. HBeAg, on the other hand, is a secreted protein that plays a role in immune evasion. It circulates in the bloodstream during active infection and serves as a marker of viral replication and infectivity.
The presence of HBeAg in a patient's blood signifies active HBV infection and a higher risk of transmission. Monitoring HBeAg levels is crucial for assessing treatment response, as its disappearance often indicates successful suppression of viral replication and a reduced risk of long-term complications.
This recombinant Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a virus-like particle (VLP) produced in E. coli. It consists of a 149 amino acid sequence derived from the HBV adw2 subtype, with a C-terminal His tag for purification. This non-infectious VLP mimics the structure and antigenic properties of native HBeAg, making it suitable for research and diagnostic applications.
>95% pure
Supplied in 20mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH adjusted), 0.5M NaCl, 0.8M imidazole
For short-term storage (up to 1 week), HBeAg can be stored at 4°C. For long-term storage, it is recommended to store aliquots at -18°C or below. Repeated freezing and thawing should be avoided to maintain protein integrity and activity.
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Product Science Overview
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant global health concern, causing both acute and chronic liver infections. One of the key markers of HBV infection is the hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), a secreted protein that plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle and pathogenesis. The recombinant form of HBeAg has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of HBV and developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
HBV is a DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family. It has a complex structure with several antigens, including the surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen (HBcAg), and e-antigen (HBeAg). HBeAg is derived from the precore protein, which is processed and secreted into the bloodstream during active viral replication .
The presence of HBeAg in the serum generally indicates active viral replication and high infectivity. It is associated with the early phase of HBV infection and is used as a marker to monitor disease progression and treatment response. HBeAg is believed to modulate the host immune response, helping the virus evade detection and establish chronic infection .
Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the production of HBeAg in vitro, providing a valuable tool for research and clinical applications. Recombinant HBeAg is produced by inserting the gene encoding the antigen into a suitable expression system, such as Escherichia coli or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of pure and consistent antigen, which is essential for developing diagnostic assays and vaccines .
- Diagnostic Assays: Recombinant HBeAg is used in various diagnostic tests to detect HBV infection and monitor treatment efficacy. These assays are crucial for identifying carriers, assessing viral load, and determining the stage of infection.
- Vaccine Development: While HBsAg is the primary component of HBV vaccines, recombinant HBeAg has been explored as a potential vaccine candidate. Its role in modulating the immune response makes it an attractive target for therapeutic vaccines aimed at inducing a robust immune response against HBV.
- Research: Recombinant HBeAg is widely used in research to study the molecular mechanisms of HBV infection, immune evasion, and pathogenesis. It provides a consistent and reliable source of antigen for various experimental applications .
