Avian anti-HBV immunoglobulin: New tool to improve hepatitis B diagnosis methods

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 253; p. 126644
• Main Authors: Deodato, Raissa Martins, dos Santos, Debora Regina Lopes, da Silva, Mayara Torquato Lima, Cruz, Helena Medina, de Paula, Vanessa Salete, Villar, Livia Melo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 31.12.2023
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126644

Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) could be used in serological diagnosis focused on several infectious agents. This study aims to produce IgY anti-hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) and to assess its use in enzyme immunoassays. Antibodies were produced by immunizing chickens with Hepatitis B vaccine associated (group A), or not, with adjuvant CpG-ODN (group B). Eggs were collected for 20 weeks, yolks were purified based on using polyethylene glycol and affinity chromatography. IgY anti-HBs was featured based on SDS-PAGE and Western Blot techniques. Total protein concentration was measured through spectrophotometry. In-house ELISA used to detect HBsAg was developed based on using IgG/HRP conjugate and IgY-anti-HBs sensitized microplates. Thus, IgY anti-HBs were confirmed through molecular pattern based on SDS-PAGE, whereas specificity of anti-HBs was confirmed through Western Blot. Mean total protein reached 3.27 ± 3.00 mg/mL and 3.11 ± 3.12 mg/mL in groups A and B, respectively. In-house ELISA was developed based on using a panel of HBV positive and negative serum samples; it recorded 100 % sensitivity and 78.9 % specificity to detect HBsAg. In conclusion, it was possible producing anti-HBs IgY by immunizing chickens with HBV vaccine; this molecule could be used as capture antibody to help detecting HBsAg in-house ELISA.