How Your DNA Package Hit Whether Yourself Should COVID-19 practically Seriously Sick
A study of more than 45,000 people provides clues as to why some people fall ill after becoming infected. Illustration of coronavirus particles in the blood Changes in human DNA may be one reason why the SARS-CoV-2 virus (shown) can infect some people more quickly than others and make some people seriously ill. In contrast, others are barely aware of their illness.
Some people can blame their DNA for making them more likely or seriously ill with COVID-19 if infected.
A study of more than 45,000 people with COVID-19 found 13 genetic variants associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or a greater chance of developing severe illness. Researchers report in Nature on July 8. The team includes more than 3,300 researchers in 25 countries.
Several options were found in previous research. For example, researchers have confirmed a genetic link between blood type and possible infection but don't know why people with blood type 0 can be easily protected. The study also confirmed that a variant that inactivates the TYK2 gene increases critical illness and hospitalization risk. This option is known to protect against autoimmune diseases but makes people more susceptible to tuberculosis.
The team found that a gene variant called FOXP4 has been associated with more severe COVID-19. This variant increases gene activity and has previously been linked to lung cancer and interstitial lung disease, a group of conditions that cause scarring and stiffness of the lungs. Drugs still in development that block the activity of the FOXP4 protein could help people recover from COVID-19 or prevent serious illness.
Versions of the disease-associated gene are more common among Asians and Latinos in America, and geneticist Mark Daly said at a press conference on July 7. However, the link might never have been discovered were it not for the inclusion of people with different ancestors worldwide, said Dali of the Institute of Molecular Medicine in Finland in Helsinki. Only 2% to 3% of people of European descent choose, compared to 7% of people in the Middle East, 20% of Latinos in America, and 32% of East Asians.