Hepatitis B virus-like particles access major histocompatibility class I and II antigen presentation pathways in primary dendritic cells

► HBsAgS VLP inhibit plasmacytoid DC function, but not conventional DC. ► HBsAgS VLP access MHCI antigen presentation pathways both in vitro and in vivo. ► HBsAgS VLP access MHCII antigen presentation pathways both in vitro and in vivo. ► Inclusion of a helper T cell epitope did not enhance CTL killing. ► CD8+ DC are responsible for cross-presentation of HBsAgS VLP associated antigen.