Our findings suggest that the rs12508721T/C and rs2221903A/G polymorphisms of IL-21 gene are associated with the susceptibility of HBV-related HCC and chronic HBV infection.
It is suggested that IL21 rs2221903 and IL21R rs3093301 polymorphisms may, independently or interactively, affect the susceptibility to and/or persistence of HBV infection potentially through altering IL-21 and IgE production.