The HCV core reduced HBsAg levels and promoted the HBsAb antibody response in a mouse model of persistent HBV replication.

<p>C57BL/6 (H-2^b) mice (n = 12 for each group) were challenged with different plasmids combinations by tail vein HI. Sera were collected at indicated time points, serially diluted, and tested by ELISA assay.(A) Positive rate of serum HBsAg in the mice from each group. (B) The kinetics of the HBsAg titres after HI. (C) Positive rate of serum HBsAb in the mice from each group. (D) The kinetics of the total HBsAb IgG titres after HI. The error bars represent the standard deviation. Statistically significant differences between the groups are displayed as *(p<0.05) and **(p<0.01).