IL28B polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis C

Human genetic factors that influence HCV treatment responses have been identified by a recent landmark discovery. A SNP has been identified (rs12979860) located in chromosome 19,3 kb upstream of the IL28B gene that encodes IFN-λ3, which was strongly associated with the sustained virological response (SVR) to pegIFN and ribavirin in more than 1000 patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C. In patients of European ancestry, as well as in African-American and Hispanic patients, the CC genotype was associated with a two-fold greater SVR rate than the TT genotype, CT being closer to TT than to CC. More information is now needed to understand the mechanisms that underlie this association.