Genetic polymorphisms in the IFNL4, MxA, and MxB genes were associated with biochemical index of chronic HBV patients from Yunnan, China

Functional features of a novel interferon-stimulated gene SHFL: a comprehensive review

Various interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), expressed via Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway-stimulated IFNs to increase antiviral effects or regulate immune response, perform different roles in virus-infected cells. In recent years, a novel ISG, SHFL, which is located in the genomic region 19p13.2 and comprises two isoforms, has been studied as a virus-inhibiting agent. Studies have shown that SHFL suppressive effects on human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV), Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), Human enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV). SHFL interacts with various viral and host molecules to inhibit viral life circle and activities, such as replication, translation, and ribosomal frameshifting, or regulates host pathways to degrade viral proteins. In this review, we summarized the functional features of SHFL to provide insights to underlying mechanisms of the antiviral effects of SHFL and explored its potential function.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in the C19orf66 gene and biochemical indices of HBV infected individuals in Yunnan

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes serious liver diseases and is a healthy problem worldwide. Although vaccines are administered to infants after birth, there is no effective medicine for HBV infection. The interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) are important factors in the host that can aid in restraining the virus, and the C19orf66 gene has a wide-antiviral spectrum.

Methods

In this study, three SNPs in the C19orf66 gene were sequenced and genotyped, and their potential function were predicted and further verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Although no significant difference of genotype and allele frequency was observed between HBV patients and the controls, the genotype and allele frequency showed significant difference between HBV patients with HBsAg-positive and HBV patients with HBsAg-negative or controls. Genotype AA (P= 0.009) and AT (P= 0.019) of rs77076061 showed higher and lower frequency in HBV patients with HBsAg-positive than in patients with HBsAg-negative, respectively. Genotype AG of rs1979262 played a risk role in HBV patients with HBsAg-positive (13.22%) than in patients with HBsAg-negative (7.53%, P= 0.036) or controls (8.48%, P= 0.033). The frequency of allele A of rs1979262 was higher in patients with HBsAg-positive (6.61%) than in patients with HBsAg-negative (3.77%, P= 0.042), while it was the opposite for the allele G. Moreover, the associations between genotypes of SNPs in the C19orf66 gene and the ALT, AST, and DBIL level were also identified. The functional assay suggested that the SNPs might influence the C19orf66 expression by changing the connection of transcriptional factors.

Conclusion

In summary, the association between genetic polymorphisms in the C19orf66 gene and HBV infection/biochemical indices of patients was firstly identified in Yunnan Province.

Polymorphisms of the MxA and MxB genes are associated with biochemical indices and viral subtypes in Yunnan HCV patients

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was the primary reason causing critical hepatic Q7 diseases. Although direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) were widely used in clinics, anti-drug mutation, the outcome of patients with different viral subtypes, and recurrence suggested that HCV pathogenic mechanism should be studied further. HCV infection, replication, and outcome were influenced by the IFNL4 and itsdownstream genes (MxA and MxB). However, whether genetic polymorphisms of these genes played necessary roles required verification in the Yunnan population.

Methods and Results

After analyzing the genotypes and allele frequencies of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), we found the association between the genotype and allele frequencies of rs11322783 in the IFNL4 gene and HCV infection in Yunnan population. Furthermore, the genetic polymorphisms of the MxA and MxB genescould influence liver function of HCV patients. The indirect bilirubin (IBIL) and albumin (ALB) levels showed significant differences among HCV patients, who carried various genotypes. The IBIL levels were associated with genotypes of rs17000900 (P= 0.025) and rs2071430 (P= 0.037) in the MxA gene, and ALB levels were associated with genotypes of rs2838029 (P= 0.010) in the MxB gene. Similarly, the genotypes of SNPs also showed significant difference in patients infected with subtype 3a (P=0.035) and 2a (P=0.034). However, no association was identified between expression level and SNPs of the MxA and MxB genes. Furthermore, HCV subtype 3b was found to be the predominantly epidemic strain in Yunnan Province.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the association between biochemical indices/HCV subtypes and SNPs in the MxA and MxB genes was identified in Yunnan HCV population.