Copy number variation of the CCL3L1 gene in chronic HCV infection: Influence on susceptibility and fibro-inflammatory response

Introduction: Recently copy number variation (CNV) of DNA sequences has been identified throughout the human genome (Redon et al. Nature 2006). Furthermore, CNV of the CCL3L1 gene has been associated with susceptibility to HIV infection (Gonzales et al. Science 2006). CCL3L1 is a potent HIV-suppressive chemokine and ligand for the HIV coreceptor CCR5. The frequency of the HIV-protective CCR5-Δ32 deletion has been reported to be increased in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. Hence, we hypothesized that variation in the gene dose of CCL3L1 may contribute to differences in the inflammatory response to HCV. Thus, our aims were (1) to compare CNV of the CCL3L1 gene between patients with HCV infection, HCV/HIV and controls and (2) to test for association with grades of inflammation and stages of fibrosis in HCV patients.