COVID-19 (C19) and Genetics

Individuals whilst unique have roughly 99.9% the same genomes, the remaining 0.1% accounts for the differences we see. Whilst seemingly small these variances can be attributed to gifts, traits and deficits we notice in the population. Genetic variances also account for how certain individuals respond to infections such as from viruses and bacteria. When coronavirus infects an individual the immune system may respond differently between individuals due to their genetic code.

Many human genes have been shown to be involved with C19 including SLC6A20, ACE2, TYR (group), IL-6, HLA-DQA1 and others which are associated with inflammation and general immunity such as TNF. Some have theorised that on a larger level males are more affected by C19 due to having only one copy of the X chromosome which has some of the immunity genes located on it whilst females have two copies of the X chromosome.

Through the analysis of genetic variants it will be possible to help predict how an individual may respond to C19 which may help identify with more accuracy those at more risk. This may be particularly important to those that don’t fall into conventional “high risk” categories such as the fit young who on occasion have severe responses to C19.

Gene variants also impact many other potential conditions that could lead to increased risk of poor C19 outcomes such as asthma and heart problems. Therefore, it is wise to put emphasis on genetics as a key player in the C19 pandemic.