Hepatitis C treatment response (IL28B)

This variant near the interferon-lambda genes strongly predicts how well older interferon-based hepatitis C treatment works, and how likely the body is to clear a hepatitis C infection on its own. The favorable 'C' version is good news.

Possible results

Favorable HCV response (IL28B). You have two copies of the favorable 'C' version near the interferon-lambda genes, linked to a better response to older interferon-based hepatitis C treatment and a higher chance of clearing hepatitis C on your own. This mainly matters in the context of a hepatitis C infection.

Intermediate HCV response. You carry one favorable and one less-favorable copy of the IL28B region, an intermediate predictor of response to interferon-based hepatitis C treatment. Today's hepatitis C drugs (direct-acting antivirals) work well regardless, so this is mostly of historical and academic interest now.

Lower HCV treatment response (IL28B). You have two copies of the less-favorable version near the interferon-lambda genes, linked to a poorer response to older interferon-based hepatitis C treatment and lower spontaneous clearance. It only matters with a hepatitis C infection, and today's direct-acting antiviral drugs are highly effective regardless of this gene.

Evidence & sources

Across global populations, about 11% of people carry two copies of this variant, and about 49% carry none.

This variant appears in 2 published genetic studies: PubMed 19684573 · PubMed 23420232.

Related

Abacavir hypersensitivity (HLA-B*57:01) · Drug acetylation speed (NAT2) · Efavirenz / drug metabolism (CYP2B6*6) · Fluoropyrimidine (5-FU) toxicity risk · Statin-induced myopathy risk · Tacrolimus metabolism (CYP3A5 gene) · Warfarin dose sensitivity