Generation of transgenic mice harbouring hepatitis B virus(adr subtype) preS2-S gene

Objective:To establish the transgenic mice model expressing the middle surface protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (adr subtype). Methods: The expression vectors pcDNA3 S2 S containing CMV promoter and HBV preS2 S gene were microinjected into the pronucleus of fertilized eggs to generate transgenic mice, the pups were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at genomic DNA level. Expression of preS2 S gene in transgenic mice were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The transgenic mice were mated with normal mice to establish transgenic mice strains. Results:Totally 58 effective eggs of 69 fertilized eggs were implanted into oviducts of 4 pseudopregnant recipients. There were 23 pups were born and survived. Five of them were identified to have the preS2 S gene in their genomic DNA by PCR using a set of specific primers. Three were detected to express of the HBsAg in their liver by immunohistochemistry. One transgenic mouse was mated with normal mouse to establish transgenic mice strains. Conclusion:The transgene integrated in the founder can be transmitted to the subsequent generations. This transgenic mouse line is useful to study the function of the MHBs protein.