An immunogenetic view of COVID-19

Abstract

Meeting the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach. In this context, integrating knowledge of immune function with an understanding of how genetic variation influences the nature of immunity is a key challenge. Immunogenetics can help explain the heterogeneity of susceptibility and protection to the viral infection and disease progression. Here, we review the knowledge developed so far, discussing fundamental genes for triggering the innate and adaptive immune responses associated with a viral infection, especially with the SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms. We emphasize the role of the HLA and KIR genes, discussing what has been uncovered about their role in COVID-19 and addressing methodological challenges of studying these genes. Finally, we comment on questions that arise when studying admixed populations, highlighting the case of Brazil. We argue that the interplay between immunology and an understanding of genetic associations can provide an important contribution to our knowledge of COVID-19.

Approaching Genetics Through the MHC Lens: Tools and Methods for HLA Research

“…This tool may help leverage SNP data to gain power in HLA association studies. The CHIC also produced a broad review on immunogenetic parameters (e.g., HLA, KIR, complement, cytokines and chemokines receptors) and their role in COVID-19 ( Aguiar et al, 2021 ). A more specific review of COVID-19 and HLA associations ( Douillard et al, 2021 ) highlights links between the pathology and HLA at different levels, from allele frequency correlation to HLA associations and haplotypes.…”

The oldest unvaccinated Covid-19 survivors in South America

“…Furthermore, the HLA alleles that each of these centenarians carry were described, being likely candidates to influence infection outcomes [68][69][70] and longevity [71]. Many studies have reported potential HLA alleles implicated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection [72], whether they were identified in a specific geographic region or globally. This influence is suggestively related to differential antigen presentation and interaction with the T cell receptor [73].…”

Distribution of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1, -DPB1 allele frequencies in patients with COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia in Russians, living in the Chelyabinsk region (Russia)

“…Previously, it was shown that SNP rs9277534 regulated the expression of HLA-DP antigens affecting several important physiological and pathological pathways [18] , [19] . Spontaneous recovery from Hepatitis A virus infection in Asian and European individuals carrying the rs9277534A variant has previously been reported [20] , [21] .…”