Characterization of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen using surface plasmon resonance.

Two commercial monoclonal antibodies were shown to interact with distinct epitopes within the major antigenic a determinant region of yeast recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) particles, contained in the hepatitis B vaccine, by using the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon on a BIAcore system. Apparent avidity for these antibodies were compared among different rHBsAg batches, showing the consistency of these epitopes. Furthermore, the effect of the alteration of these epitopes, achieved by chemical modifications, was readily reflected by changes in the apparent avidity for these antibodies. The procedures used in the present study provide a novel and efficient way to characterize rHBsAg particles present in different hepatitis B vaccine products.