A team of scientists and medical experts led by Newcastle University in the United Kingdom found that the gene HLA-DRB1*04:01 could be the genetic link to asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
The team reported that they found the HLA-DRB1*04:01 gene is three times the amount in asymptomatic patients, suggesting that it provides some level of protection from the severe form of COVID-19.
The study, entitled "The influence of HLA genotype on the severity of COVID-19 infection" published in the HLA journal, compared asymptomatic and severe COVID-19 patients but had no underlying illnesses.
The Gene That Protects Some COVID-19 Patients From Getting Sick
The Newcastle University press release reported that the team believes that the study is the first clear evidence of the genetic link to COVID-19 protection. Researchers used the next-generation sequencing to focus in detail and at scale on the HLA-DRB1*04:01 gene, which is packed on chromosome 6.
Their study focused on finding the protective qualities of the allele in the genes of asymptomatic patients that are not found in the severe form of COVID-19.
The human leukocyte antigen gene protection from COVID-19 is directly correlated to latitude and longitude, which means that people from the North and West of Europe most likely have the gene.
This could also mean that they are more likely to be asymptomatic but can still transmit the disease to susceptible populations. Researchers predict that one out of five people of European descent in the UK may have this gene.
"This is an important finding as it may explain why some people catch COVID but don't get sick. It could lead us to a genetic test which may indicate who we need to prioritize for future vaccinations," Dr. Carlos Echevarria from the university's Translational and Clinical Research Institute said in the press release.
The study serves an important purpose as asymptomatic patients pose a greater risk of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus compared to symptomatic individuals.
Geolocation of Gene Protection from COVID-19
The idea of geolocation of the genetic link that explains why some are asymptomatic and some are not is an accepted concept in the scientific world, SciTech reported. HLA genes are also well known to develop over generations as a result of disease-causing pathogens.
Study author David Langton said that the findings are very interesting, just like how incidences of multiple sclerosis increase with increasing latitude. The notion was first rejected due to lower UV exposure that may also cause multiple sclerosis, but further studies suggest that a specific gene related to the latitude might also cause the disease.
"This highlights the complex interaction between environment, genetics, and disease," Langton said according to the university's press release. "We know some HLA genes are vitamin D responsive, and that low vitamin D levels are a risk factor for severe COVID and we are doing further work in this area."
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