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Test Code IL28Q Interleukin 28B (IL28B) Variant (rs12979860), Varies


Specimen Required


Multiple genotype tests can be performed on a single specimen after a single extraction. See Multiple Genotype Test List in Special Instructions for a list of tests that can be ordered together.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send specimen in original tube.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 9 days/Refrigerated 30 days

 

Specimen Type: Saliva

Patient Preparation: Patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to collection.

Supplies: Saliva Swab Collection Kit (T786)

Specimen Volume: 1 Swab

Collection Instructions: Collect and send specimen per kit instructions.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient 30 days

 

Specimen Type: Extracted DNA

Container/Tube: 2 mL screw top tube

Specimen Volume: 100 mcL (microliters)

Collection Instructions:

1. The preferred volume is 100 mcL at a concentration of 250 ng/mcL.

2. Include concentration and volume on tube.

Specimen Stability Information: Frozen (preferred)/Ambient/Refrigerated


Useful For

Predicting responsiveness of genotype 1 hepatitis C viral infections to combined pegylated-interferon and ribavirin-based therapies

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) With Allelic Discrimination Analysis

Reporting Name

IL28B Genotype, V

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Minimum Volume

Blood: 0.4 mL
Saliva: 1 swab

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Varies

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Clinical Information

Individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infections have variable responses to treatment with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. Some individuals will respond to treatment with sustained viral response, while other patients have poor response and fail to achieve sustained viral clearance.

 

Response to pegylated-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy in HCV genotype 1-infected individuals has been found to be closely associated with a single-nucleotide variant (SNV), designated rs12979860, located 3 kilobases upstream from the interleukin 28B gene locus (IL28B, also known as IFNL3) present on human chromosome 19.

 

HCV genotype 1-infected individuals with the CC genotype, as compared to either the CT or TT genotypes, of this SNP in IL28B have approximately 2- to 3-fold greater rates of sustained viral response to combined pegylated-interferon and ribavirin therapy.(1) Similar increases in sustained viral response rates were observed across various racial groups, including European Americans (95% CI, 1.8- to 2.3-fold), African Americans (95% CI, 1.9- to 4.7-fold), and Hispanics (95% CI, 1.4- to 3.2-fold).(1) The CC genotype has also been associated with a 3-fold increase in rate of spontaneous clearance of HCV.(2,4) The SNV in IL28B is only one of many factors that can influence response rates to pegylated-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy in HCV genotype 1 infection, and the SNV genotype result should be interpreted in the context of other clinical factors present in a given patient.

 

Frequency of the rs12979860 C allele varies across different racial and ethnic groups. The rs12979860 C variant is most frequently present in individuals from East Asia (allele frequency >0.9) and least common in individuals of African origin (allele frequency 0.2-0.5).(2) In a recent US-based study, the favorable CC genotype was observed in 37% of whites, 29% Hispanics, and 14% of African Americans tested.

 

The mechanism by which the IL28B genotype mediates response to pegylated-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy among HCV genotype 1-infected individuals is not yet understood and is the subject of intense ongoing research. The impact of the IL28B-related alteration on response rates in patients infected with HCV genotypes other than genotype 1 is still being investigated.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Interpretation

An interpretative report will be provided.

Cautions

Rare variants may be present that could lead to false-negative or false-positive results. If results obtained do not match the clinical findings (phenotype), additional testing should be considered.

 

Samples may contain donor DNA if obtained from patients who received non-leukoreduced blood transfusions or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Results from samples obtained under these circumstances may not accurately reflect the recipient's genotype. For individuals who have received blood transfusions, the genotype usually reverts to that of the recipient within 6 weeks. For individuals who have received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a pretransplant DNA specimen is recommended for testing.

 

For liver transplant patients, the IL28B genotype of the recipient and the donor are independent predictors of sustained virologic response with combined pegylated-interferon and ribavirin therapy.(3)

 

This test does not detect variants other than the rs12979860 single-nucleotide variant.

Method Description

Genomic DNA is extracted from whole blood or saliva. Genotyping for the IL28B single nucleotide variant is performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based 5'-nuclease assay. Fluorescently labeled detection probes anneal to the target DNA. PCR is used to amplify the section of DNA that contains the variant. If the detection probe is an exact match to the target DNA, the 5'-nuclease polymerase degrades the probe, the reporter dye is released from the effects of the quencher dye, and a fluorescent signal is detected. Genotypes are assigned based on the allele-specific fluorescent signals that are detected.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

3 to 7 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

81283

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
IL28Q IL28B Genotype, V 60279-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
610145 IL28B Genotype 60279-7
610146 IL28B Phenotype In Process
610147 Interpretation 69047-9
610148 Additional Information 48767-8
610149 Method 85069-3
610150 Disclaimer 62364-5
610151 Reviewed by 18771-6