Hepatitis B virus Pre-S2 envelope region (Pre-S2) (Pre-S2)

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) Pre-S2 envelope region is a protein domain found within the middle (M) and large (L) surface proteins of the HBV envelope (UniProt: P03142) [1]. It plays a vital role in the viral life cycle, specifically mediating the attachment and entry of the virus into host hepatocytes (PubMed: 10433345) [3]. The Pre-S2 region is highly immunogenic, containing multiple B-cell and T-cell epitopes that are essential for a robust immune response against HBV (PubMed: 32824397) [2]. Because of its role in viral entry and its high immunogenicity, it is a primary component of third-generation HBV vaccines, such as PreHevbrio, which aim to provide broader protection than traditional S-antigen-only vaccines (FDA: PreHevbrio Label) [5]. Mutations or deletions in this region have been clinically linked to chronic infection progression and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (PubMed: 25601214) [6]. Consequently, the Pre-S2 region serves as both a therapeutic target for neutralization and a diagnostic marker for monitoring the course of HBV infection.

Other names

Pre-S2 domainMiddle surface proteinMHBHepatitis B virus Pre-S2 antigenPre-S2 region

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment and entry into hepatocytes by targeting the Pre-S2 domain of the viral envelope.