Title of Invention	A METHOD OF OBTAINING A RECOMBINANT HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN BINDING PROTEIN
Abstract	An enhancin of hepatitis B vaccine and its coding gene are provided. The expression method by genetic engineering and the application of the protein are also provided. The protein could remarkably increase the antibody titer against hepatitis B surface antigen in vivo, and enhance the immunological effect of hepatitis B vaccine. The protein of the present invention could be used as an adjuvant of hepatitis B vaccine.

Title of Invention

A METHOD OF OBTAINING A RECOMBINANT HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN BINDING PROTEIN

Abstract

An enhancin of hepatitis B vaccine and its coding gene are provided. The expression method by genetic engineering and the application of the protein are also provided. The protein could remarkably increase the antibody titer against hepatitis B surface antigen in vivo, and enhance the immunological effect of hepatitis B vaccine. The protein of the present invention could be used as an adjuvant of hepatitis B vaccine.

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See section 10, Rule 13] AN ENHANCING OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS VACCINE AND ITS GENE; FUDAN UNIVERSITY, A UNIVERSITY WHOSE ADDRESS IS 220 HANDAN ROAD, SHANGHAI 200433, P. R. CHINA THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE . PERFORMED. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a protein that binds to hepatitis B virus (HBV) with high specificity and promotes immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine, the gene that encodes the" protein, and > application of the protein in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of relevant diseases. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTS Hepatitis B is an infectious disease of high incidence and grave consequences, and a serious threat to public health. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent HBV infection and reduce the carrier rate of HBV. However, immune response to hepatitis B vaccine varies significantly across different individuals. In many people receiving the standard 6-month 3-dose vaccination regimen, not enough antibody was produced to offer protection. Therefore, finding molecules that could effectively promote the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine and to enhance the immune response is an important way to solve the problem. Genetic engineering using either prokaryotic expression system (e.g., E. coli) or eukaryotic expression system (e.g., mammalian cells) is the most effective way to obtain a large quantity of a specific protein. The gene is identified by screening a cDNA expression library. The protein encoded by the gene is obtained by gene cloning, expression and purification. Obtained protein is used in combination with HBV vaccine to immunize animal. Titer of hepatitis B surface antibody in immunized animal is detected by ELISA. This is a convenient way to determine whether a protein can promote the immune response to HBV vaccine, and therefore its potential for use in human subjects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aim of the present invention is to provide a protein enhancing hepatitis B vaccine, its gene and methods to express and apply this protein. The gene sequence and amino acid sequence of the protein enhancing HB vaccine are SEQ.ID.NO.l and SEQ.IDNO.2 respectively. The inventor screened out the gene above-mentioned from human liver cDNA expression library and expressed it using gene engineering method. The approach is as follows: obtaining the protein and cDNA gene that codes the protein: A positive cDNA clone is obtained by screening a human liver cDNA expression library using immunobloting against the surface antigen of hepatitis B. Analysis of the cDNA sequence revealed an independent open reading frame (ORF) of 1035 bp. Further experiments proved that the protein encoded by the cDNA can specifically bind to the hepatitis B surface antigen. The protein is named as hepatitis B virus surface antigen binding protein (HBsAg binding protein, SBP). The ORF of the cDNA was attached with 6xhis purification tag and enterokinase cleavage site DDDDK at the N-terminus, then cloned into prokaryotic expression system pBV220. Protein expression was induced in E. coli at optimal temperature. E. coli was collected and lysed, and inclusion bodies were extracted, roughly purified, and then purified using Ni-NTA agarose and affinity chromatography. After refolding using dialysis method, the target protein was obtained. Effects of SBP on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine: experimental animals were divided into a test and a control group. Mice, for example, were immunized using a conventional method with hepatitis B vaccine. Two boost vaccine injections were given subcutaneously at the 10th and 17th day after the initial dose. The test group received subcutaneous injection of SBP every three days. The controls did not receive SBP At the 20th day after the initial does for immunization, blood was obtained from the tail vein. Titer of the antibody against the hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum was detected by ELISA. A SPSS software was used to analyze the group differences. The results indicated that the proteins can significantly increase the titer of antibody in mice. In other words, the proteins can enhance the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine (Figure 4). Therefore, SBP can be used to promote the immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus vaccine, and to increase the titer of the antibody against the hepatitis B surface antigen. Consequently, the SBP could be used as adjuvants of hepatitis B virus vaccine. Combined use of SBP with hepatitis B virus vaccine could enhance the immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine, and reduce dosage and frequency of the vaccination. The fact that SBP could bind to the hepatitis B surface antigen with high specificity and increase the titer of anti-surface antibody suggests that SBP could be used to enhance the efficacy of patient/carrier treatment, and to develop therapeutic vaccines. In addition, the SBP can also be used for research purposes. For example, these SBP could be used to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for detecting endogenous SBP as an index for immune -functions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1. Effect of SBP on the titer of anti-HBsAg antibody in Balb/c mouse (I). Fig2. Effect of SBP on the titer of anti-HBsAg antibody in Balb/c mouse (D). Balb / c mice of the same age receiving no treatment were used as controls. OD495 value 10 times higher than the control value (0.13) was considered positive. Anti-HBsAg antibody titer was calculated according to the OD values and serum dilution multiples using an one dimension regression. The titer of anti-HBsAg antibody in the test group (n = 5) was 9.24xl04. The titer in the control mice (n = 5) was 2.68xl04. The difference was significant as revealed by an independent sample t-test (P THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBOIMENT The preparation of the gene sequences: A cDNA clone encoding hepatitis B surface antigen binding protein was obtained by screening a human liver cDNA phage expression library with a complete hepatitis B surface antigen (including the pre-Sl, pre-S2 and S zones) purified from hurnan plasma by immunobloting. Gene sequencing results revealed an independent open reading frame (ORF) of 1035 bp (SEQ.ID.NO.l) in the cDNA that encodes 344 amino acid residues, with a theoretical molecular weight of about 38ku. The isoelectric point (PI) was 8.0. Deduced sequente indicated, typical transmembrane regions and classification into the immunoglobulin superfamily. The sequence of the protein encoded by the ORF is SEQ.ID.NO.2. Expression and purification: Protein was expressed and purified after the gene mentioned above was cloned into prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression vectors. The entire gene was cloned into the pBV220 prokaryotic expression vector. E. Coli were transfected with the recombinant vector. Positive monoclones were cultured in liquid culture medium. Protein expression was induced at.37□ firstly then 42□ for 5h. Proteins were purified with Ni-NTA agarose affihity columns. Purified protein was re-natured by dialysis. Interaction of the proteins with target was verified with ELISA and Western blotting. Evaluationof the Effect of the prepared protein on HB vaccine: :~Balb/c mice(age:7 weeksrhalf male and half female) are divided into test group and "control group HB yactine is injected into mice subcutaneously using common method. The injection protocol is shown in the table below. Vaccine injection (subcutaneous injection) Interval Test group Control group - First injection - HBsAg 80ug , SBP-2ug . HBsAg 80µg- 3 days SBP 6µg 6 days SBP 9.5µg Second injection 9 days HBsAg 120µ.g , SBP7.5µg HBsAg 120ug " 12 days SBP65µg 15 days SBP75µg Third injection 16 days HBsAg 120µg HBsAg 120µg 17 days SBP 75µg Blood was obtained from tail vein on the 20th day after the first immunization, The antibody level against the hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum was determined by ELISA. A SPSS software was used to analyze the group differences. The results(refer to Fig.l and Fig.2) showed that the anti-surface antibody titer in the test group was 9.24xl04 on the 20th day after the initial immunization, and significantly higher than that in the controls (2.68xI04). This result indicated that the protein can significantly up-regulate the level of anti-surface antibody in mice, and augment the immune response the hepatitis B vaccine. Application: Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine varies significantly across different individuals. In many people receiving the standard 6-month 3-dose vaccination regimen, not enough antibody was produced to offer protection. The proteins described in this invention can significantly augment the immune response to hepatitis B.vaccine. Accordingly, these proteins can be used to develop hepatitis B vaccine adjuvant or directly in combination with the hepatitis B vaccines that are currently available. Simultaneous use of a certain mount of SBP with hepatitis B vaccine can increase the immuriogenicity of the vaccine, and increase the .titer of neutralizing antibodies. SBP has specific affinity to hepatitis B surface antigen, and can increase the production of the antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen. As a result, SBP can also be used for the treatment of patients and carriers of hepatitis B virus. SBP could, also be valuable in research, to develop therapeutic hepatitis B vaccines. We claim: 1. . A protein enhancing HB vaccine, of which amino acid sequence is SEQ.ID.NO.2. 2. The gene coding the protein in claim 1, of which nucleotide sequence is SEQ.ID.NO. 1. 3. A method for screening the protein in claim 1, which refers to screening human liver cDNA expression library using Western blot with HBsAg as probe molecule, obtaining a positive , cDNA clone and sequencing it, the result shows that the cDNA has an independent, open reading frame containing 1035bp. 4. A method for expression of HB vaccine enhancing protein described in claim 1, which meanses to clone 6xhis tag and enterokinase cleavage site onto the N-terminus of the protein herein, subclone into pBV220 expression system, express the protein in E, coli. Collecting and lysing E. coli, extracting the inclusion body followed by extensive purification, the target protein was finally obtained by intensive purification using Ni-NTA agarose and affinity chromatography. 5. The application of the protein with amino acid sequence SEQ.IC.NO.2 as a' adjutant to HB vaccine, expression and preparation of proteins that are more than 80% similar to SBP in homology, by fusion, aggregation, mix, or other forms of combination of the protein with other antigen (such as polypeptide) for synergetic effect. Dated this 15th day of October, 2008 FOR FUDAN UNIVERSITY By their Agent (MADHURI RAMESHCHANDRA TAWRI) KRISHNA & SAURASTRI

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
& THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

AN ENHANCING OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS VACCINE AND ITS GENE;
FUDAN UNIVERSITY, A UNIVERSITY WHOSE ADDRESS IS 220 HANDAN ROAD, SHANGHAI 200433, P. R. CHINA
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE . PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a protein that binds to hepatitis B virus (HBV) with high specificity and
promotes immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine, the gene that encodes the" protein, and
>
application of the protein in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of relevant diseases.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTS
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease of high incidence and grave consequences, and a serious threat to public health. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent HBV infection and reduce the carrier rate of HBV. However, immune response to hepatitis B vaccine varies significantly across different individuals. In many people receiving the standard 6-month 3-dose vaccination regimen, not enough antibody was produced to offer protection. Therefore, finding molecules that could effectively promote the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine and to enhance the immune response is an important way to solve the problem.
Genetic engineering using either prokaryotic expression system (e.g., E. coli) or eukaryotic expression system (e.g., mammalian cells) is the most effective way to obtain a large quantity of a specific protein. The gene is identified by screening a cDNA expression library. The protein encoded by the gene is obtained by gene cloning, expression and purification. Obtained protein is used in combination with HBV vaccine to immunize animal. Titer of hepatitis B surface antibody in immunized animal is detected by ELISA. This is a convenient way to determine whether a protein can promote the immune response to HBV vaccine, and therefore its potential for use in human subjects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to provide a protein enhancing hepatitis B vaccine, its gene and methods to express and apply this protein.
The gene sequence and amino acid sequence of the protein enhancing HB vaccine are SEQ.ID.NO.l and SEQ.IDNO.2 respectively.
The inventor screened out the gene above-mentioned from human liver cDNA expression library and expressed it using gene engineering method. The approach is as follows:

obtaining the protein and cDNA gene that codes the protein: A positive cDNA clone is obtained by screening a human liver cDNA expression library using immunobloting against the surface antigen of hepatitis B. Analysis of the cDNA sequence revealed an independent open reading frame (ORF) of 1035 bp. Further experiments proved that the protein encoded by the cDNA can specifically bind to the hepatitis B surface antigen. The protein is named as hepatitis B virus surface antigen binding protein (HBsAg binding protein, SBP).
The ORF of the cDNA was attached with 6xhis purification tag and enterokinase cleavage site DDDDK at the N-terminus, then cloned into prokaryotic expression system pBV220. Protein expression was induced in E. coli at optimal temperature. E. coli was collected and lysed, and inclusion bodies were extracted, roughly purified, and then purified using Ni-NTA agarose and affinity chromatography. After refolding using dialysis method, the target protein was obtained.
Effects of SBP on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine: experimental animals were divided into a test and a control group. Mice, for example, were immunized using a conventional method with hepatitis B vaccine. Two boost vaccine injections were given subcutaneously at the 10th and 17th day after the initial dose. The test group received subcutaneous injection of SBP every three days. The controls did not receive SBP At the 20th day after the initial does for immunization, blood was obtained from the tail vein. Titer of the antibody against the hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum was detected by ELISA. A SPSS software was used to analyze the group differences. The results indicated that the proteins can significantly increase the titer of antibody in mice. In other words, the proteins can enhance the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine (Figure 4).
Therefore, SBP can be used to promote the immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus vaccine, and to
increase the titer of the antibody against the hepatitis B surface antigen. Consequently, the SBP
could be used as adjuvants of hepatitis B virus vaccine. Combined use of SBP with hepatitis B
virus vaccine could enhance the immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine, and reduce dosage
and frequency of the vaccination. The fact that SBP could bind to the hepatitis B surface antigen
with high specificity and increase the titer of anti-surface antibody suggests that SBP could be
used to enhance the efficacy of patient/carrier treatment, and to develop therapeutic vaccines. In
addition, the SBP can also be used for research purposes. For example, these SBP could be used to
produce monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for detecting endogenous SBP as an index for immune
-functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1. Effect of SBP on the titer of anti-HBsAg antibody in Balb/c mouse (I).

Fig2. Effect of SBP on the titer of anti-HBsAg antibody in Balb/c mouse (D). Balb / c mice of the same age receiving no treatment were used as controls. OD495 value 10 times higher than the control value (0.13) was considered positive. Anti-HBsAg antibody titer was calculated according to the OD values and serum dilution multiples using an one dimension regression. The titer of anti-HBsAg antibody in the test group (n = 5) was 9.24xl04. The titer in the control mice (n = 5) was 2.68xl04. The difference was significant as revealed by an independent sample t-test (P THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBOIMENT The preparation of the gene sequences:
A cDNA clone encoding hepatitis B surface antigen binding protein was obtained by screening a human liver cDNA phage expression library with a complete hepatitis B surface antigen (including the pre-Sl, pre-S2 and S zones) purified from hurnan plasma by immunobloting. Gene sequencing results revealed an independent open reading frame (ORF) of 1035 bp (SEQ.ID.NO.l) in the cDNA that encodes 344 amino acid residues, with a theoretical molecular weight of about 38ku. The isoelectric point (PI) was 8.0. Deduced sequente indicated, typical transmembrane regions and classification into the immunoglobulin superfamily. The sequence of the protein encoded by the ORF is SEQ.ID.NO.2.
Expression and purification:
Protein was expressed and purified after the gene mentioned above was cloned into prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression vectors. The entire gene was cloned into the pBV220 prokaryotic expression vector. E. Coli were transfected with the recombinant vector. Positive monoclones were cultured in liquid culture medium. Protein expression was induced at.37□ firstly then 42□ for 5h. Proteins were purified with Ni-NTA agarose affihity columns. Purified protein was re-natured by dialysis. Interaction of the proteins with target was verified with ELISA and Western blotting.
Evaluationof the Effect of the prepared protein on HB vaccine:
:~Balb/c mice(age:7 weeksrhalf male and half female) are divided into test group and "control group HB yactine is injected into mice subcutaneously using common method. The injection protocol is shown in the table below.

Vaccine injection (subcutaneous injection)

Interval

Test group

Control group

- First injection - HBsAg 80ug , SBP-2ug . HBsAg 80µg-
3 days SBP 6µg
6 days SBP 9.5µg
Second injection 9 days HBsAg 120µ.g , SBP7.5µg HBsAg 120ug
" 12 days SBP65µg
15 days SBP75µg
Third injection 16 days HBsAg 120µg HBsAg 120µg

17 days SBP 75µg
Blood was obtained from tail vein on the 20th day after the first immunization, The antibody level against the hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum was determined by ELISA. A SPSS software was used to analyze the group differences.
The results(refer to Fig.l and Fig.2) showed that the anti-surface antibody titer in the test group was 9.24xl04 on the 20th day after the initial immunization, and significantly higher than that in the controls (2.68xI04). This result indicated that the protein can significantly up-regulate the level of anti-surface antibody in mice, and augment the immune response the hepatitis B vaccine.
Application:
Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine varies significantly across different individuals. In many people receiving the standard 6-month 3-dose vaccination regimen, not enough antibody was produced to offer protection. The proteins described in this invention can significantly augment the immune response to hepatitis B.vaccine. Accordingly, these proteins can be used to develop hepatitis B vaccine adjuvant or directly in combination with the hepatitis B vaccines that are currently available. Simultaneous use of a certain mount of SBP with hepatitis B vaccine can increase the immuriogenicity of the vaccine, and increase the .titer of neutralizing antibodies. SBP has specific affinity to hepatitis B surface antigen, and can increase the production of the antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen. As a result, SBP can also be used for the treatment of patients and carriers of hepatitis B virus. SBP could, also be valuable in research, to develop therapeutic hepatitis B vaccines.

We claim:
1. . A protein enhancing HB vaccine, of which amino acid sequence is SEQ.ID.NO.2.
2. The gene coding the protein in claim 1, of which nucleotide sequence is SEQ.ID.NO. 1.
3. A method for screening the protein in claim 1, which refers to screening human liver cDNA expression library using Western blot with HBsAg as probe molecule, obtaining a positive
, cDNA clone and sequencing it, the result shows that the cDNA has an independent, open reading frame containing 1035bp.
4. A method for expression of HB vaccine enhancing protein described in claim 1, which meanses to clone 6xhis tag and enterokinase cleavage site onto the N-terminus of the protein herein, subclone into pBV220 expression system, express the protein in E, coli. Collecting and lysing E. coli, extracting the inclusion body followed by extensive purification, the target protein was finally obtained by intensive purification using Ni-NTA agarose and affinity chromatography.
5. The application of the protein with amino acid sequence SEQ.IC.NO.2 as a' adjutant to HB vaccine, expression and preparation of proteins that are more than 80% similar to SBP in homology, by fusion, aggregation, mix, or other forms of combination of the protein with other antigen (such as polypeptide) for synergetic effect.
Dated this 15th day of October, 2008
FOR FUDAN UNIVERSITY
By their Agent
(MADHURI RAMESHCHANDRA TAWRI) KRISHNA & SAURASTRI

A METHOD OF OBTAINING A RECOMBINANT HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN BINDING PROTEIN

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