Genetic Susceptibility and Viral Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus infection

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is still one of the leading causes of chronic hepatitis in the western world. Between 15% to 40% of the people acutely infected achieve spontaneous resolution, even though the variables and factors related to the viral clearance are not yet fully established. The study of the physiopathological mechanisms of the HCV is essential for the identification of the factors related either to spontaneous resolution or persistence of the viral infection. Some studies have found out variables from the host associated with this outcome, including the interleukin 28 (IL-28B) gene polymorphisms. This gene codifies the lambda 3 interferon (IFNL3). The purpose of this article is to perform a literature review of the physiopathology of HCV infection, describe the evidence of the role of the IL28 gene polymorphisms, and their impact in the spontaneous virus clearance and other aspects of the natural history and treatment of the viral infection.