Role of Interleukin 28B Polymorphisms in Response to Interferon Based Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Clearance

Abstract

Interleukin-28B (IL28B) locus on a human chromosomal region mapped to 19q13 execute immune defense against viruses. During Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection the IL28B has a promising role in deciding the consequence of infection for spontaneous clearance of viruses or causing chronic liver infection. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C includes use of direct acting antivirals, Pegylated-Interferon (PEG-IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV) therapy. Also, interferon free regimens are suggested to be useful in resistant patients. Numerous reports including Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), comprehensive meta-analysis and independent case-control studies in different population have revealed the association between certain Il-28B polymorphisms and response to the PEGIFN- RBV therapy in patients infected with HCV. We searched all peer-reviewed relevant and recent literature manually for the present review. The GWAS studies have revealed an important role of IL28B in HCV infection, which was supported by many independent studies and meta-analysis by different groups in different ethnicities. IL28B genotyping may be use as predictors of response for IFN-based therapy and personalized treatment of hepatitis C patient.