Polymorphisms of the gene interieukm-28B and the hepatitis C virus clearance

Treatment-induced control and spontaneous clearance of HCV are affected by various of host factors. The polymorphisms of the gene IL-28B which is implicating the gene product IFN λ3 are associated with HCV clearance. The IL-28B genotype can be considered, along with other factors, in predicting patient responses to therapy with Peg-IFN α and ribavirin. The genetic studies that uncovered the association between IL-28B and HCV clearance, the biology of IFN λ3, the clinical implications of the genetic association are reviewed. Key words: Hepatitis C virus;  IL-28B;  Interferon λ