Hydrodynamic HBV transfection in mouse models.

The method of hydrodynamic delivery was used to establish a mouse model of hepatitis B virus persistence by transfecting hepatocytes in vivo with HBV genome expressing viral antigens and replicative intermediates, producing viral particles. Using the hydrodynamic transfection method, we demonstrated that host genetics, age, and their interaction are crucial in generating robust, diverse immune responses against HBV. We took advantage of an established HBV-persistence mouse model, by injecting cloned HBV DNA through the tail vein in appropriate, immune-competent mouse strains, to investigate the detailed immune responses against HBV. Germ-free animals with hydrodynamic HBV plasmid DNA injection provide an invaluable experimental tool for immunologic role of the gut microbiota in chronic HBV infection, and a direct role for the microbiota in disease development was demonstrated by the use of germ-free mice with HDI. This protocol has been previously shown in Hepatitis B Virus: Methods and Protocols-Methods in Molecular Biology.