Antibody response to E2 glycoprotein induced in mice by immunization with plasmid DNA containing sequence derived from a Chinese genotype III/2a isolate of hepatitis C virus

Objective To induce antibody response against E2 glycoprotein derived from a Chinese genotype III/2a isolate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in BALB/C mice by plasmid DNA-based immunization. Methods Plasmid p3W14 containing E2/NS1 gene derived from a Chinese genotyp e III/2a isolate of HCV, which was verified to express 70 kDa E2 glycoprote in in NIH3T3 cells, was used for direct intramuscular injection in BALB/C m ice. Specific antibody to E2 glycoprotein was detected by recombinant E2 pr otein. Results Specific anti-E2 antibody could be detected in mice inoculated with p3W14(5/6). Titer of antibody ranged from 1:15 to 1:120. Conclusion Successfully inducing anti-E2 antibody in mice by plasmid DNA-ba sed immunization containing E2/NS1 gene from a Chinese genotype III/2a isol ate of HCV is the first time in China.