Deciphering the Role of Host Genetics in Susceptibility to Severe COVID-19

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology Vol. 11; p. 1606
• Main Authors: Carter-Timofte, Madalina Elena, Jørgensen, Sofie Eg, Freytag, Mette Ratzer, Thomsen, Michelle Mølgaard, Brinck Andersen, Nanna-Sophie, Al-Mousawi, Ali, Hait, Alon Schneider, Mogensen, Trine H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 30.06.2020
• Subjects: Betacoronavirus - genetics; Betacoronavirus - immunology; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; Coronavirus Infections - genetics; Coronavirus Infections - immunology; COVID-19; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; host immune defenses; Humans; Immunology; immunopathology; innate immunity; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Pneumonia, Viral - genetics; Pneumonia, Viral - immunology; primary immunodeficiency; SARS-coronavirus 2; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; whole exome sequencing; primary immunodeficiency; immunopathology; host immune defenses; innate immunity; SARS-coronavirus 2; whole exome sequencing
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01606

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) describes a set of symptoms that develop following infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Whilst COVID-19 disease is most serious in patients with significant co-morbidities, the reason for healthy individuals succumbing to fulminant infection is largely unexplained. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings in terms of clinical features and the host immune response, and suggest candidate immune pathways that may be compromised in otherwise healthy individuals with fulminating COVID-19. On the basis of this early knowledge we reason a potential genetic effect on host immune response pathways leading to increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding these pathways may help not only in unraveling disease pathogenesis, but also in suggesting targets for therapy and prophylaxis. Importantly such insight should instruct efforts to identify those at increased risk in order to institute preventative measures, such as prophylactic medication and/or vaccination, when such opportunities arise in the later phases of the current pandemic or during future similar pandemics.