Nucleotide vector composition containing such vector and vaccine for
immunization against hepatitis. Nucleotide vector comprising at least one
gene or one complementary DNA coding for at least a portion of a virus,
and a promoter providing for the expression of such gene in muscle cells.
The gene may be the S gene of the hepatitis B virus. A nucleotide vector
composition when administered to even chronic HBV carriers is capable of
breaking T cell tolerance to the surface antigens of hepatitis B virus. A
vaccine preparation containing said bare DNA is injected into the host
previously treated with a substance capable of inducing a coagulating
necrosis of the muscle fibers.