SUMMARYImmune-stimulating complexes (iscoms) have been prepared containing the major S gene products (HBsAg) of the hepatitis B virus genome. Immunization of BALB/c mice with a single dose of hepatitis B iscoms in saline resulted in a high titre antibody response to HBsAg. In contrast, the original HBsAg preparation required an adjuvant to produce equivalent amounts of antibody. Analysis of sera from mice immunized with hepatitis B iscoms revealed antibodies directed against the major a determinants of HBsAg. High secondary antibody responses were observed in immunized animals previously inoculated with a sub-immunogenic dose of HBsAg indicating that hepatitis B iscoms may represent a suitable immunogen for use in individuals in whom a course of immunization with currently licensed hepatitis B vaccines has failed to produce a significant anti-HBs response.

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The susceptibility of the rhesus monkey (Macaco mulatta) to hepatitis B virus was enhanced by the induction of chronic infection with Plasmodium inuei.