Polymorphisms near IL28B and serologic response to peginterferon in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Background & Aims: A limited number of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B respond to treatment with peginterferon alfa (PEG-IFN). We investigated whether IL28B genotypes are associated with response. Methods: We studied 205 HBeAg-positive patients who were treated with PEG-IFN (some were also treated with lamivudine) at 11 European and Asian hospitals; genotype analysis was performed for IL28B rs12980275 and rs12979860. Response was defined as HBeAg loss with the appearance of antibodies to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) at the end of PEG-IFN therapy (HBeAg seroconversion), along with HBeAg seroconversion and hepatitis B surface antigen clearance during long-term follow-up. Results: The patients were infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A (13%), B (20%), C (47%), and D (13%). The proportions of IL28B genotypes were 77%, 19%, and 5% for AA/AG/GG at rs12980275 and also for CC/CT/TT at rs12979860, respectively. IL28B genotype was significantly associated with HBeAg seroconversion at the end of treatment (P