The TGF-β high producer genotype is associated with response to HCV-specific therapy in HIV-positive patients with acute hepatitis C

Background: Co-infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIVpositive patients is an emerging health problem. The factors affecting response to HCV-specific therapy are poorly understood but may involve host genetic factors. HCV NS5A-induced inhibition of TGF-b signaling has been suggested as a potential mechanism involved in HCV pathogenesis. TGF-b, a multifunctional cytokine, displays gene polymorphisms (TGF-b codon 10 T/C and codon 25G/C) associated with differential cytokine secretion. Here, we studied whether TGF-b gene polymorphisms affect the treatment response in HCV/HIV co-infection.