A transgenic mouse model for studying HBV infection in neonate

The human hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is always a worldwide problem, especially the high risk infection of the neonate by chronically HBV infected mother. McGrane et al. [1] have demonstrated that the gene which is driven by the promoter of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is mainly expressed in the mouse liver and immediately appears at parturition. We have constructed a transgenic mouse by using PEPCK promoter to drive the pre-S2 and S domain of HBV envelope protein to imitate HBV transmission from mother to child. We want to see whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) can persistently exist or be cleared by immune system from the newborn mice.