Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for producing immune responses against hepatitis B viruses. For example, polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, virus-like particles containing such polypeptides, vaccine preparations containing one or more polypeptides provided herein, vaccine preparations containing one or more nucleic acid molecules provided herein, vaccine preparations containing one or more virus-like particles provided herein, and methods for inducing immune responses against hepatitis B viruses within mammals (e.g., humans) are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for producing immune responses against hepatitis B viruses. For example, polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, virus-like particles containing such polypeptides, vaccine preparations containing one or more polypeptides provided herein, vaccine preparations containing one or more nucleic acid molecules provided herein, vaccine preparations containing one or more virus-like particles provided herein, and methods for inducing immune responses against hepatitis B viruses within mammals (e.g., humans) are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for producing immune responses against hepatitis B viruses. For example, polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, virus-like particles containing such polypeptides, vaccine preparations containing one or more polypeptides provided herein, vaccine preparations containing one or more nucleic acid molecules provided herein, vaccine preparations containing one or more virus-like particles provided herein, and methods for inducing immune responses against hepatitis B viruses within mammals (e.g., humans) are provided.

Abstract: Nucleotide vector comprising at least one gene or one complementary DNA coding for at least a portion of a virus, and a promoter providing for the expression of such gene in muscle cells. The gene may be the S gene of the hepatitis B virus. A vaccine preparation containing said bare DNA is injected into the host previously treated with a substance capable of inducing a coagulating necrosis of the muscle fibres.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for obtaining molecules that can modulate an immune response, and immunomodulatory molecules obtained using the methods. The molecules find use, for example, in the tailoring of an immune response induced by a genetic vaccine for a desired purpose.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of inducing an immunogenic response in a subject that include administering a nucleotide plasmid vector that includes a gene coding for a surface antigen protein derived from hepatitis B virus and a promoter for the expression of the gene. The invention also relates to vaccine compositions for protecting against hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.