Low immunogenic bio-nanocapsule based on hepatitis B virus escape mutants

The hepatitis B virus (HBV)-inspired DDS nanocarrier, bio-nanocapsule (BNC), is composed of lipid bilayer and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) L protein. In this study, escape mutant-type BNC (emBNC) was developed by inserting two point mutations (Q292R and G308R) into HBsAg L protein, which are found in naturally occurring HBV escape mutants. The emBNC is less immunogenic in mice compared to parental BNC. Furthermore, emBNC can deliver genes to human hepatic cells even in the presence of anti-HB antibody. Thus, emBNCs may be used for HB patients and HB vaccinees.117