gastro-congress-2016_posters-accepted-abstracts

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Volume 6, Issue 7(Suppl) J Gastrointest Dig Syst 2016
ISSN: 2161-069X JGDS, an open access journal
Page 59
Notes:
Gastro Congress 2016
October 24-25, 2016
conferenceseries.com
October 24-25, 2016 Valencia, Spain
9th Euro Global
Gastroenterology Conference
Tobacco expression of novel envelope proteins-derived HBV antigens for cost-effective vaccine
development
Mihaela-Olivia Dobrica1, Lisa Paruch2, Catalin Lazar1, Hege Steen2, Sissel Haugslien2, Catalin Tucureanu3, Iuliana Caras3, Crina Stavaru3, Norica
Nichita1 and Jihong Liu Clarke 2
1Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Romania
2Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Norway
3The Cantacuzino National Institute for Research, Romania
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a serious public health problem especially in developing countries. Despite
the availability of a safe and efficient commercial vaccine, its use in mass immunization programs is hampered because
of the high costs. Moreover, 10% of the vaccinated population develops a low immune response. In this context, we aim to
design new HBV antigens in order to develop a more immunogenic vaccine in plants, as a low-cost alternative. Our strategy is
focused on the antigenic properties of the large (L) envelope protein and on the ability of the small (S) surface antigen (HBsAg)
to self-assemble into subviral particles (SVPs). HBsAg was used as a carrier for the 21-47 L-derived peptide by insertion in the
antigenic loop (AGL) of HBsAg and by replacing a fragment from the AGL. The chimeric proteins along with the wild-type
S protein were produced in green plants (Nicotiana benthamiana) and in HEK293T cells, as a reference system. Expression of
the antigens was investigated in both production systems and properties like protein folding, dimerization and N-glycosylation
were analyzed. The immunogenic properties of the newly produced antigens are currently investigated. To conclude, the new
antigens represent promising candidates for the development of new vaccines against HBV.
Biography
Mihaela-Olivia Dobrica was graduated in Biochemistry from University of Bucharest, Romania in 2012 and completed her Master’s degree in Neurobiology
from University of Bucharest, Romania in 2014. She is currently pursuing PhD at the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Department of Viral
Glycoproteins.
Mihaela-Olivia Dobrica et al., J Gastrointest Dig Syst 2016, 6:7(Suppl)