HBV HBe, Hepatitis B Virus Antigen, Recombinant

The Hepatitis 'e' antigen (HBeAg) is a peptide. It is usually detectable in the bloodstream when the hepatitis B virus is actively reproducing, which makes the patient much more infectious and at a greater risk of progression to liver disease. The exact function of this non-structural protein is unknown. However, it is thought that HBe may be influential in suppressing the immune systems response to HBV infection. HBeAg is generally detectable at the same time as HBsAg and disappears before HBsAg disappears. The presence of HBeAg in chronic infection is generally taken to indicate that HBV is actively reproducing and there is a higher probability of liver damage. In acute infections, HBeAg is generally only transiently present. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) HBe is an E. coli derived recombinant. The protein contains the HBV HBe immunodominant region.