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IL28B is associated with response to chronic hepatitis C interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy

Vijayaprakash Suppiah1, Max Moldovan, Golo Ahlenstiel

  • 1Storr Liver Unit, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Nature Genetics
|September 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations near the interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene are linked to successful Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment outcomes. This finding may help predict patient response to interferon-based therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects 3% of the global population.
  • Current standard treatment involves PEGylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha) and ribavirin (RBV).
  • Identifying factors influencing treatment response is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genetic variants associated with sustained virological response (SVR) to PEG-IFN-alpha/RBV therapy.
  • To validate findings in an independent cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 293 Australian patients with genotype 1 chronic HCV.
  • Replication in an independent cohort of 555 individuals.
  • Analysis focused on sustained virological response (SVR) to combination therapy.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between SVR and genetic variants in the interleukin 28B (IL28B, also known as IFNlambda3) gene region (rs8099917, combined P = 9.25 x 10(-9)).
  • The identified variant showed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.98 (95% CI = 1.57-2.52) for SVR.
  • IL28B is known to play a role in viral resistance and is upregulated by interferons and viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • Host genetics, specifically variants near IL28B, are associated with HCV treatment response.
  • These genetic markers may aid in predicting patient response to PEG-IFN-alpha/RBV therapy.
  • Further investigation into IL28B's role in HCV treatment and other interferon-treated diseases is warranted.

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