Figure 9.

Schematic representation of the expression of HBeAg in hepatitis B virus (HBV) (sub) genotype D, A2 and A1. A1762T/G1764A, which decreases the expression of transcription of precore mRNA and therefore HBeAg expression can occur in (sub) genotypes A1, A2 and D. (A) Genotype D can develop the G1896A mutation, converting the codon TAG for tryptophan to a stop codon TAA, leading to the truncation of the precursor, abrogating HBeAg, expression. (B) Subgenotype A2 can only develop A1762T/G1764A. (C) Subgenotype A1 has unique characteristics and can develop mutations in the Kozak (1809 – 1812), which affects the translation of HBeAg and G1862T that interferes with HBeAg expression at the post‐translational level. Nucleotide numbering is from the EcoRI cleavage site on the DNA genome