Distinct MHC class I and II alleles are associated with hepatitis C viral clearance, originating from a single source.

The role of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, restricted by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles, is recognized as highly significant in the successful clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The frequency of class I alleles in females inoculated with HCV genotype 1b from a single source was examined for an association with outcome. Class I typing was performed using polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers in 227 female subjects: 141 had chronic infection and 86 had viral clearance. Statistical analysis included chi(2) testing and multiple logistic regression analysis. A03, B27, and Cw01 occurred more frequently in those with viral clearance (39.5%, 14%, and 9.3%, respectively) compared with those with chronic infection (19.1%, 2.1%, and 1.4%, respectively; P < or = .005). B08 occurred more often in those with chronic infection compared with viral clearance (39.7% vs. 19.8%; P =.002). In combination with previously reported class II allele associations, over 75% that successfully eliminate HCV carry either A03, DRB10101, or 0401, compared with only 37% of those with chronic infection (P <.0001). The haplotypes A03-B07-DRB115-DQB10602 and A02-B27-Cw01-DRB10101-DQB10501 are associated with viral clearance (P =.004 and.01, respectively). By multiple logistic regression analysis, the alleles A03, B27, DRB10101, 0401, and 15 are associated with viral clearance, and B27 has the strongest association (odds ratio [OR] 7.99). The haplotype A01-B08-Cw07-DRB103011-DQB10201 is associated with chronic infection (P =.002), being independent for DQB10201 (OR 0.27). In conclusion, certain class I alleles are associated with outcome in this homogeneous cohort. More significantly, either HLA-A03, -DRB10101, or -*0401 are carried by an overwhelming majority of those subjects who successfully clear HCV.