Hepatitis B core antigen?

What does Hepatitis B Core Antigen do in the Hepatitis B virus?

It doesn't "do" anything, like an enzyme. It is a structural protein of the virus. Hepatitis B Core antigen (HBcAg) is a protein that forms the core of Hepatitis B. The core encapsulates the virus's DNA and DNA polymerase. The core is covered by an outer surface coat that is made of the Hepatitis B surface antigens.

If you test positive for HBcAg, it is an indicator of an acute infection, since HBcAg disappears later on in the hepatitis B infection. You can also test positive if you are a chronic HBV carrier.

Any antigen just refers to a marker on a peticular pathogen. To put it in the easiest way I can, its an identifier that antibodies (a immune system molecule) would attach to so that our immune system cells know what to attack. It the case of Hep B, the HBsAg (core) antigen is a surface identifier, which may or may not have any function at all.

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