Abstract

The clinical course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection greatly differs in individuals. Various viral, host, and environmental factors influence the natural history of HCV infection. Recent genome-wide association studies identified several host genetic factors influencing treatment efficacy or clinical course in HCV infection. A landmark discovery was that IFNL3-IFNL4 variants are strongly associated with responses to interferon-based treatment. Genetic variants in IFNL3-IFNL4 as well as those in HLA class II loci influence the spontaneous clearance of acute HCV infection. Interestingly, these genetic variants also affect the activity of hepatitis, or disease progression in chronic hepatitis C. In addition, polymorphisms in apoptosis-related genes such as RNF7, TULP1, and MERTK are associated with fibrosis progression, and DEPDC5 and MICA variants are associated with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the genetic factors associated with the clinical course of HCV infection is essential for personalized treatment and surveillance of disease progression and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.