Conformational epitope of hepatitis b surface antigen and antibody binding specifically thereto

Abstract

A specific conformational epitope of a hepatitis B surface antigen and a hepatitis B neutralizing antibody binding thereto are disclosed. The epitope has a specific conformational structure. In addition, the conformational epitope does not contain the ‘a’ determinant that may generate an escape mutation upon administration of conventional vaccines or HBIg. Thus, an antibody capable of binding to the epitope is highly unlikely to allow the emergence of a vaccine escape mutation, which is caused by conventional vaccines, and as such, can retain a sustained effect. Therefore, such an antibody or a vaccine composition can find effective applications in the prevention and treatment of HBV, having great economic value.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.