Hepatitis B virus pre-S2 region (pre-S2)

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) pre-S2 region is a protein domain located within the Middle (M) and Large (L) surface proteins of the HBV envelope (UniProt P03142) [1]. It consists of approximately 55 amino acids and is essential for the virus's ability to attach to and enter human hepatocytes, often working in conjunction with the pre-S1 region and the S domain (PubMed: 22435464) [2]. Because it contains highly immunogenic B-cell and T-cell epitopes, the pre-S2 region is a primary target for third-generation HBV vaccines like PreHevbrio, which aim to provide broader and more potent immunity than traditional S-only vaccines (FDA.gov) [3]. In clinical contexts, mutations or deletions in the pre-S2 region are significant as they are frequently linked to chronic hepatitis B progression and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (Journal of Virology) [4]. Therapeutic strategies focusing on this region involve the development of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and enhanced vaccines to prevent infection and manage chronic carriers [2, 3].

Other names

HBV pre-S2 domainMiddle surface protein pre-S2Large surface protein pre-S2HBsAg pre-S2

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment and entry into host hepatocytes (FDA.gov) [3].