IL28B, HLA-C, and KIR Variants Additively Predict Response to Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a European Cohort: A Cross-Sectional Study
2011

Genetic Variants Predict Response to Hepatitis C Treatment

Sample size: 910 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Vijayaprakash Suppiah, Silvana Gaudieri, Nicola J. Armstrong, Kate S. O'Connor, Thomas Berg, Martin Weltman, Maria Lorena Abate, Ulrich Spengler, Margaret Bassendine, Gregory J. Dore, William L. Irving, Elizabeth Powell, Margaret Hellard, Stephen Riordan, Gail Matthews, David Sheridan, Jacob Nattermann, Antonina Smedile, Tobias Müller, Emma Hammond, David Dunn, Francesco Negro, Pierre-Yves Bochud, Simon Mallal, Golo Ahlenstiel, Graeme J. Stewart, Jacob George, David R. Booth

Primary Institution: University of Sydney

Hypothesis

Can the combined effect of IL28B, HLA-C, and KIR gene variants improve the prediction of treatment response in chronic hepatitis C patients?

Conclusion

Genotyping for IL28B, HLA-C, and KIR genes improves prediction of HCV treatment response.

Supporting Evidence

  • IL28B SNP rs8099917 'G' was associated with absence of treatment-induced clearance.
  • HLA-C C2C2 genotype was over-represented in patients who failed treatment.
  • Prediction of treatment failure improved from 66% with IL28B to 80% using both genes.

Takeaway

Scientists found that checking certain genes can help doctors know if hepatitis C patients will respond to treatment better.

Methodology

The study involved genotyping chronic hepatitis C patients for specific gene variants and analyzing their treatment outcomes.

Limitations

The findings need confirmation in other ethnic groups and populations.

Participant Demographics

All participants were Europeans or of European descent.

Statistical Information

P-Value

1.27×10−8

Confidence Interval

1.67–2.88

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.1001092

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