Synthesis of hepatitis B surface antigen pre-S2 region fragments and studies on their immunogenicity

Abstract

Two peptide fragments of hepatitis B surface antigen pre-S2 region were synthesized by the solid phase method. The peptides were purified by gel filtration or ion-exchange chromatography on Sephadex SP-C-25. Both peptides induced a cellular and humoral immune response in rabbits. The results showed that fragment 14-22 of pre-S2 region contains one of the antigenic determinants.