Hepatitis B virus middle envelope protein (MHBs) (MHBs)

The Hepatitis B virus middle envelope protein (MHBs) is a structural component of the HBV envelope, consisting of the Pre-S2 and S domains (Source: UniProt P03141). It plays a crucial role in viral attachment to hepatocytes and the secretion of subviral particles, which act as decoys to the host immune system (Source: PubMed 29434451). MHBs is a key constituent of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the primary diagnostic marker for HBV infection (Source: NIH StatPearls). Chronic infection with HBV is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma globally (Source: WHO Hepatitis B Fact Sheet). In drug development, MHBs is a critical component of third-generation recombinant vaccines like PreHevbrio, which includes the S, Pre-S1, and Pre-S2 antigens to enhance immunogenicity (Source: FDA PreHevbrio Label). These vaccines work by inducing neutralizing antibodies that prevent viral entry and promote the clearance of circulating virions (Source: PubMed 34643535).

Other names

Middle surface proteinPre-S2/S proteinM proteinHepatitis B virus middle surface antigenMHBsAg

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that block viral entry into hepatocytes and facilitate immune-mediated clearance of viral particles (Source: PubMed 34643535).