Characterization of monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridoma cell lines prepared against hepatitis B virus X protein

The X gene of HBV encodes HBx protein which is required for virus replication and has been implicated in virus mediated liver oncogenesis, However, the molecular mechanism of HBx activity and its possible influence on cell proliferation have to be solved further in detail. To understand more about the immune responses against HBV and to make tools useful for preparing diagnostic and therapeutic agents, we have produced monoclonal antibodies against HBx protein. Eight independent hybridoma cell lines including X-01A were isolated for this purified HBx protein. The isotype of the antibody produced from X-01A hybridoma cell line was IgG1. Some HBs-positive sera tested contained antibodies that specifically recognized the HBx protein. We conclude that the HBx protein is antigenic in some patients.