Genomics of hepatitis B and C infections: diagnostic and therapeutic applications of microarray profiling

Microarray profiling offers many potential advances in diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in human disease because of its unparalleled ability to conduct high-throughput analysis of gene expression. However, limitations of this technique relate in part to issues regarding the various methodologies and experimental designs as well as difficulties in the interpretation of results. Despite this, microarray profiling has led to a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Key events in clearance and the development of chronicity of HCV have been identified that may prove to have a role in the development of future treatments. In addition, pharmacogenomic studies of interferon-based treatment for chronic HCV and HBV have provided mechanistic insights into the therapeutic action of interferons. These advances have implications with respect to the development of improved therapeutic agents. New biomarkers for cancer screening and gene profiles with prognostic value for survival have also been developed for hepatocellular carcinoma, which frequently complicates chronic viral hepatitis. Thus, microarray profiling offers enormous potential for improvements in antiviral therapy and our understanding of blood-borne viral hepatitis.