There may be a gene for COVID-19 resistance

Evidence from a recent study suggests that a particular gene may offer some resistance to severe symptoms of COVID-19.

According to the study, the genetic makeup of those who have severe COVID-19 symptoms compared to those who are asymptomatic differs significantly at one gene site.

The study found a significantly higher frequency of the HLA-DRB1 * 04: 01 gene in asymptomatic individuals. This potential gene for COVID-19 resistance is a version – an allele – of the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) family of genes that are involved in the immune system's response.

The Newcastle University research group in the UK enrolled 49 patients presenting with COVID-19 respiratory failure that required ventilation and / or oxygenation. They compared their HLA genes to 69 hospital workers who tested positive for COVID-19 but remained asymptomatic during their infection.

The frequency of HLA-DRB1 * 04: 01 was significantly higher in the asymptomatic subjects compared to those with severe symptoms at 16.7% and 5.1%, respectively.1 These results suggest that HLA-DRB1 * 04: 01 a gene for. could be COVID-19 resistance.

Like the other HLA genes, the HLA-DRB1 * 04: 01 gene codes for transmembrane proteins that present foreign material, "antigens", to the immune cells, the T cells. These T cells recognize these signals and facilitate an attack.

The frequency of HLA alleles correlates with geographic location, as shown in previous studies. With this in mind, the study included participants with similar European backgrounds and from two hospitals in North East England. They also included a control group from the same background and location.

The HLA-DRB1 * 04: 01 allele frequency in the control group was calculated to be 11.0%. This proportion was equivalent to the 11.1% incidence in the UK population. Populations from northwestern Europe have been found to be more abundant in this potential gene for COVID-19 resistance.

"(The identification of the HLA-DRB1 * 04: 01 gene) could lead us to a genetic test that could indicate who to prioritize for future vaccinations," said Dr. Carlos Echevarria, co-author of the study.2 "At the population level, it is important for us to know because if we have many people who are resistant (…) then they risk spreading the virus while they are asymptomatic." 2

References

Langton, D.J. et al. (2021). The influence of the HLA genotype on the severity of a COVID-19 infection. HLA early view. Doi: 10.1111 / tan.14284.

Gene protection identified for COVID-19. (2021). EurekAlert! The American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved June 12, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-06/nu-gpf060421.php

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay