Abstract: E2G/A/V/D mutations could strongly affect extracellular and intracellular level of HBsAg (p < 0.05).
Abstract: E2 mutations (E2G/A/V/D) existed in 21.8% (26/119) of OBIs, while no E2 mutations were found in the control group.
Abstract: Furthermore, N-terminal signal peptides, with a typical cleavage site for peptidase at positions 27 and 28, were exclusively detected in S proteins with secretion-defective mutants (E2G/A).
Abstract: Meanwhile, for E2G/A mutations, the relative intracellular HBsAg (110.7-338.3% vs. extracellular) and its fluorescence intensity (1.5-2.4-fold vs. with genotype-matched pHBV1.3B/C) were significantly higher (p_< 0.05).