Polymorphisms of type I interferon receptor 1 promoter and their effects on chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Background/Aims Exposure to HBV leads to a distinct clinical course which is partially pertained to host genetic variability. We aimed to study polymorphisms of type I interferon receptor 1 (IFNAR1) promoter and their potential effects on chronic HBV infection. Methods Polymorphisms of IFNAR1 promoter were identified in 320 chronic hepatitis B patients, 148 spontaneously recovered individuals, 148 healthy Chinese donors and 114 Caucasians. Their functional capability in driving reporter gene expression was analyzed. Results Four polymorphic alleles were identified at loci −568, −408, −77 and −3. Association analysis revealed that carriers of alleles −568G, −408C and their related haplotype I were less susceptible to chronic HBV infection whereas those of alleles −568C, −408T and related haplotype III were significantly associated with higher risk to chronic hepatitis B ( P P Conclusions Our results showed that polymorphisms of IFNAR1 promoter may affect, at least in part, the outcomes of HBV infection.