Expression and gene polymorphisms of interleukin 28B and hepatitis B virus infection in a Chinese Han population

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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02507.x/abstract

Expression and gene polymorphisms of interleukin 28B and hepatitis B virus

infection in a Chinese Han population

Wanyu Li1, Yanfang Jiang1, Qinglong Jin1, Xiaodong Shi1, Jinglan Jin1, Yanhang

Gao1, Yu Pan1, Hong Zhang1, Jing Jiang2, Junqi Niu1

Article first published online: 30 MAR 2011

DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02507.x

© 2011 Wiley & Sons A/S

Issue

Liver International

Volume 31, Issue 8, pages 1118–1126, September 2011

Abstract

Background: Recent genome-wide association studies found that genetic

polymorphisms near the IL28B gene is strongly associated with sustained viral

response and spontaneous viral clearance in chronically infected hepatitis C

patients.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the effects of IL28B variations on hepatitis B virus

(HBV) infection in a Chinese Han population and to explore the association

between IL28B polymorphisms and susceptibility to infection, viral clearance,

disease progression, viral load and liver inflammation.

Methods: We determined three IL28B single gene polymorphisms (rs12979860,

rs12980275 and rs8099917) in 203 individuals with chronic HBV infection, 203

individuals with self-limited HBV infection and 203 individuals negative for all

HBV seromarkers. Interleukin (IL)28B serum levels were evaluated in all

subjects. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 42 chronically

HBV-infected individuals were subjected to whole-genome expression studies.

Results: The association among genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies of

IL28B with alanine aminotransferase levels and HBV DNA was established. However,

no significant differences were observed in genotype or allele frequencies among

chronically HBV-infected, self-limited and healthy subjects. The serum IL28B

level was lower in patients with chronic HBV infection than in the self-limited

HBV-infected or healthy subjects. The serum IL28B level was correlated with the

subject's genotype. Gene expression micro-array analysis showed enhanced IL28B

expression in patients with low HBV viral load.

Conclusions: Variability at the IL28B locus is associated with HBV viral load

and hepatic inflammation. Genetic variation of IL28B may prevent HBV progression

by reducing viral load and liver inflammation, providing a valuable gene therapy

tool.