Modified hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 and production thereof

摘要

A modified protein (i) derived from a hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein and (ii) having hepatitis B virus surface antigen activity and the ability to bind polymerized human serum albumin, wherein the modification comprises rendering at least one trypsin-like protease sensitive site of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein insensitive. The modified protein can be used in the production of a vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B virus infections and as an antigen for diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infections.