title: The role of genetic markers in hepatitis C virus therapy: a major step for individualized care.
abstract: It has been understood for some time that the treatment outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is influenced by host genetic factors. Three independent genome-wide association studies have recently identified that a genetic variation in the IL28B gene [interferon-λ3 (IFN-λ3)] determines the outcome of IFN-α-based therapy in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infection. This genetic polymorphism is also strongly associated with a higher likelihood of spontaneous clearance following acute hepatitis C infection. These results confirm the importance of specific host genetic markers in predicting outcome and treatment response. They also provide the framework and potential for a clinically relevant and meaningful pharmacogenomic approach to personalizing anti-HCV treatment.
authors.affiliation: Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA. john.mchutchison@gilead.com
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McHutchison
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons; D007378:Interleukins / Q000235:genetics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012737:Sex Factors; D000095022:Interferon Lambda
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D005819:Genetic Markers; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D007372:Interferons; D007378:Interleukins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin; C000624353:interferon-lambda, human; D000095022:Interferon Lambda; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a