[Synthesis and secretion of the surface antigen from hepatitis B virus in animal cell cultures].

Stable mammalian cell lines synthesizing and secreting Hepatitis B surface particles have been obtained through genetic engineering techniques. These particles show by electron microscopy a size of 22 nm, they are structurally and immunochemically similar to the particles present in the plasma from chronic hepatitis B patients. Therefore these particles are an excellent source for the preparation of a vaccine against the virus.