Hepatitis B virus medium surface protein (MHBs)

The Hepatitis B virus medium surface protein (MHBs) is a structural glycoprotein of the HBV envelope, composed of the Pre-S2 and S domains (UniProt: P03141). It is synthesized from the second start codon of the S open reading frame and is essential for the formation and secretion of both infectious virions and subviral particles (PubMed: 25607341). MHBs plays a vital role in viral attachment and entry into host hepatocytes, with the Pre-S2 domain being particularly recognized for its high immunogenicity and ability to elicit neutralizing antibodies (PubMed: 31533257). In clinical practice, MHBs is a key component of third-generation Hepatitis B vaccines, such as PreHevbrio, which include all three surface proteins (S, Pre-S1, and Pre-S2) to improve seroprotection rates in older adults and immunocompromised individuals (FDA: PreHevbrio Prescribing Information). Targeting MHBs is a strategic approach to prevent Hepatitis B infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (NIH: Hepatitis B).

Other names

Pre-S2 proteinMiddle surface proteinMiddle S proteinHBV M proteinM-HBsAgHepatitis B virus M protein

Induction of active humoral and cellular immunity; Neutralization of viral particles to prevent hepatocyte attachment and entry.