Interleukin 28B polymorphisms as predictor of response in hepatitis C virus genotype 2 and 3 infected patients

Single nucleotide polymorphisms near the interleukin28B(IL-28B)gene have been identified as strong predictors of both spontaneous or Peg-interferon(Peg-IFN)and ribavirin(RBV)induced clearance of hepatitis C virus(HCV).Several studies have shown that,in patients with genotype 1(GT-1),rs12979860 C/C and rs8099917T/T substitutions are associated with a more than twofold increase in sustained virological response rate to Peg-IFN and RBV treatment.Although new treatment regimens based on combination of DAA with or without IFN are in the approval phase,until combination regimens with a backbone of Peg-IFN will be used,we can expect that IL28B holds its importance.The clinical relevance of IL28B genotyping in treatment of patients infected with HCV genotype 2(GT-2)and 3(GT-3)remains controversial.Therefore,after a careful examination of the available literature,we analyzed the impact of IL28B in GT-2 and-3.Simple size of the studies and GT-2 and GT-3 proportion were discussed.An algorithm for the practical use of IL28B in these patients was suggested at the aim of optimizing treatment.