Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen as a carrier of human immunodeficiency virus epitopes.

Eukaryotic cells transformed with a plasmid expression vector are able to synthesize and assemble HBsAg, a complex multimeric lipoprotein particle. Hybrid particles carrying HIV1 antigenic determinants were constructed and injected into monkeys. A complete immune response including neutralizing antibodies, proliferative and cytotoxic T-cell activities was obtained. Thus, such HIV/HBsAg hybrid particles could be a new approach to multivalent vaccination.