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The tandem‐repeat polymorphism of the DC‐SIGNR gene in HCV infection
Author(s) -
Nattermann J.,
Ahlenstiel G.,
Berg T.,
Feldmann G.,
Nischalke H. D.,
Müller T.,
Rockstroh J.,
Woitas R.,
Sauerbruch T.,
Spengler U.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of viral hepatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1365-2893
pISSN - 1352-0504
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2005.00652.x
Subject(s) - genotype , allele , biology , hepatitis c virus , virology , tandem repeat , genetics , polymorphism (computer science) , gene polymorphism , gene , variable number tandem repeat , virus , genome
Summary. The C‐type lectin DC‐SIGNR has been shown to bind hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we analysed the tandem‐repeat polymorphism of the DC‐SIGNR gene with respect to intraindividual HCV replication. In a cross‐sectional comparison HCV‐infected patients ( n = 430) and healthy subjects ( n = 100) were genotyped for the DC‐SIGNR polymorphism using PCR. The distribution of DC‐SIGNR alleles did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, HCV‐infected patients with 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐repeat alleles had higher HCV‐RNA levels when compared with carriers of 4‐ and 9‐repeat alleles ( P < 0.05). Thus, the DC‐SIGNR polymorphism might affect HCV loads supporting the concept that DC‐SIGNR contributes to HCV replication efficacy.