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High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Interferon-lambda and therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Raymond P Donnelly1, Harold Dickensheets, Thomas R O'Brien
1Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation & Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Raymond.Donnelly@fda.hhs.gov
Trends in Immunology
|August 9, 2011
Summary
Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ), a type-III interferon, shows promise as a safer alternative to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) for treating chronic hepatitis C. Its targeted receptor expression may reduce adverse reactions while maintaining antiviral efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-α), a type-I interferon, is a standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- Widespread interferon-alpha receptor expression can cause significant adverse reactions in multiple organs.
- Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ), a type-III interferon, is being investigated as a potential therapeutic alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate interferon-lambda (IFN-λ) as a safer therapeutic option compared to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) for chronic hepatitis C.
- To explore the potential for reduced adverse reactions with IFN-λ due to its receptor's restricted expression.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of antiviral activity of IFN-α and IFN-λ in hepatocytes.
- Examination of interferon receptor expression patterns.
- Review of recent findings on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with treatment response.
Main Results:
- IFN-λ demonstrates antiviral activity in hepatocytes, similar to IFN-α.
- IFN-λ receptor expression is predominantly found on epithelial cells, suggesting a potentially narrower side-effect profile.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the IL28B gene (IFN-λ3) are strongly correlated with sustained virological response to pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin therapy.
Conclusions:
- IFN-λ represents a promising alternative to IFN-α for chronic hepatitis C treatment due to its antiviral properties and potentially reduced systemic toxicity.
- Understanding the genetic factors, such as IL28B SNPs, is crucial for predicting treatment outcomes in chronic hepatitis C.
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