Construction and Expression of HBcAg Epitope Fusion Gene

Objective To construct the fusion gene of a genetically-engineered HBV vaccine which can stimulate the specific cellular immune function against HBV. Methods HBcAg CTL epitope 18-27 was fused into the downstream of BCG heat shock protein 65 by using PCR and the fusion protein was expressed in E. coli expression system pET15b. Results Fusion gene of HSP-HBV-ME was constructed and expressed in E. coli strain BL21 and it was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot that the protein expressed is HSP-HBV-ME. Conclusion It is easy and rapid to construct fusion genes by using the PCR and the genetic code used can be optimized to enhance the expression of recombinant protein.