IFN-?4 genetic variants influence clinical malaria episodes in a cohort of Kenyan children

Abstract Background Interferon (IFN)- ?4, a type III IFN, production is controlled by dinucleotide frameshift variant (rs368234815-dG/TT) within the first exon of IFNL4 gene. Carriers -dG allele but not -TT are able to produce IFN-?4 protein. Patients with hepatitis C virus that do protein have higher rates viral clearance suggesting potential inhibitory role in liver-tropic infections. Methods In this study, it was investigated whether children infected Plasmodium falciparum, which has well-characterized liver stage infection, would be more susceptible clinical malaria relative their -rs368234815 allele. A cohort 122 from holoendemic region Kenya analysed. Episodes and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) were determined using information collected birth 2 years age. The -rs368234815-dG/TT genotyped TaqMan assay. Results cohort, 33% study participants had dG/dG genotype, 45% dG/TT 22% TT/TT genotype. number time episode URTIs respect evaluated. It found carried IFNL4- rs368234815-dG an increased episodes. addition, there significant association between earlier age infection carriers ( p-value: 0.021). Conclusion results suggest ability negatively affects host immune protection against P. falciparum Kenyan children.