Host genetic determinants of spontaneous hepatitis C clearance. (November 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rauch, Andri; Gaudieri, Silvana; Thio, Chloe; Bochud, Pierre-Yves
• Is Part Of: Pharmacogenomics. Volume 10:Number 11(2009)
• Page Start: 1819
• Page End: 1837
• Publication Date: 2009-11
• Subjects: association studies -- genetics -- hepatitis C -- spontaneous hepatitis C clearance; Pharmacogenomics -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.2217/pgs.09.121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-2416

Abstract

Acute infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces a wide range of innate and adaptive immune responses. A total of 20––50% of acutely HCV-infected individuals permanently control the virus, referred to as ''spontaneous hepatitis C clearance'', while the infection progresses to chronic hepatitis C in the majority of cases. Numerous studies have examined host genetic determinants of hepatitis C infection outcome and revealed the influence of genetic polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigens, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, chemokines, interleukins and interferon-stimulated genes on spontaneous hepatitis C clearance. However, most genetic associations were not confirmed in independent cohorts, revealed opposing results in diverse populations or were limited by varying definitions of hepatitis C outcomes or small sample size. Coordinated efforts are needed in the search for key genetic determinants of spontaneous hepatitis C clearance that include well-conducted candidate genetic and genome-wide association studies, direct sequencing and follow-up functional studies.