[Construction and expression of fusion gene expression plasmid HBV preS2S-rhGM-CSF].

AIM: To construct GM-CSF and preS2 fusion gene expression plasmid to enhance the immunogenicity of hepatitis B DNA vaccine. METHODS: HBV preS2S gene(846 bp) and rhGM-CSF gene(384 bp) were amplified by PCR, respectively. The eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1-S2S-rhGM-CSF was constructed by means of T-A clone and directional gene cloning techniques, and then the recombinant plasmid was expressed in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: Restriction enzyme digestion analysis, PCR amplification and/or DNA sequencing proved that the recombinant plasmid was constructed successfully. The transcription of target gene was confirmed by RT-PCR. The fusion protein expressed in HepG2 cells could reacted to the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HBsAg, preS2 and GM-CSF, respectively. CONCLUSION: The successful construction and expression of pcDNA3.1-S2S-rhGM-CSF lay the foundation for further study of HBV DNA vaccine.