What do genes have to do with our bodies' reactions to COVID-19?
What do genes have to do with our bodies' reactions to COVID-19?
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We're still learning more about the role of genetics in COVID-19 infection, both in terms of susceptibility, but also severity of illness. There have been some studies that have looked at proteins, called "toll-like receptors" or "TLRs" that help an immune system detect a virus and alert the immune system to begin defending the body from infection. Those studies have looked at the role of TLRs in natural immunity to the virus, and how our genes controlling a protein involved in TLR response, plays into susceptibility. Other studies have assessed blood types and that those with Type A appear to have a higher risk of contracting the virus, whereas Type O might be protective. ACE receptors - also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors - might be the way the virus gets into the cell and may play a large role in the virus's ability to infect cells. Because of this, there has been increased research into genetic variants in these receptors. It is likely that some genetics play a role in COVID-19 infection and clinical manifestations, but it will take much more research to understand these relationships.
We're still learning more about the role of genetics in COVID-19 infection, both in terms of susceptibility, but also severity of illness. There have been some studies that have looked at proteins, called "toll-like receptors" or "TLRs" that help an immune system detect a virus and alert the immune system to begin defending the body from infection. Those studies have looked at the role of TLRs in natural immunity to the virus, and how our genes controlling a protein involved in TLR response, plays into susceptibility. Other studies have assessed blood types and that those with Type A appear to have a higher risk of contracting the virus, whereas Type O might be protective. ACE receptors - also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors - might be the way the virus gets into the cell and may play a large role in the virus's ability to infect cells. Because of this, there has been increased research into genetic variants in these receptors. It is likely that some genetics play a role in COVID-19 infection and clinical manifestations, but it will take much more research to understand these relationships.
Publication
What our experts say
We're still learning more about the role of genetics in COVID-19 infection, both in terms of susceptibility, but also severity of illness. There have been some studies that have looked at proteins, called "toll-like receptors" or "TLRs" that help an immune system detect a virus and alert the immune system to begin defending the body from infection. Those studies have looked at the role of TLRs in natural immunity to the virus, and how our genes controlling a protein involved in TLR response, plays into susceptibility. Other studies have assessed blood types and that those with Type A appear to have a higher risk of contracting the virus, whereas Type O might be protective.
ACE receptors - also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors - might be the way the virus gets into the cell and may play a large role in the virus's ability to infect cells. Because of this, there has been increased research into genetic variants in these receptors. It is likely that some genetics play a role in COVID-19 infection and clinical manifestations, but it will take much more research to understand these relationships.
We're still learning more about the role of genetics in COVID-19 infection, both in terms of susceptibility, but also severity of illness. There have been some studies that have looked at proteins, called "toll-like receptors" or "TLRs" that help an immune system detect a virus and alert the immune system to begin defending the body from infection. Those studies have looked at the role of TLRs in natural immunity to the virus, and how our genes controlling a protein involved in TLR response, plays into susceptibility. Other studies have assessed blood types and that those with Type A appear to have a higher risk of contracting the virus, whereas Type O might be protective.
ACE receptors - also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors - might be the way the virus gets into the cell and may play a large role in the virus's ability to infect cells. Because of this, there has been increased research into genetic variants in these receptors. It is likely that some genetics play a role in COVID-19 infection and clinical manifestations, but it will take much more research to understand these relationships.
Context and background
As we move forward with the COVID-19 pandemic and related research, more information will become available about the role of genomics. Currently, there is significant interest on the role of ACE receptors, inhibitors and infection.
As we move forward with the COVID-19 pandemic and related research, more information will become available about the role of genomics. Currently, there is significant interest on the role of ACE receptors, inhibitors and infection.
Resources
- Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Inhibitors in Patients with Covid-19 (New England Journal fo Medicine)
- The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, a global initiative to elucidate the role of host genetic factors in susceptibility and severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic (Nature)
- Do Your Genes Predispose You to COVID-19? (Scientific American)
- Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Inhibitors in Patients with Covid-19 (New England Journal fo Medicine)
- The COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, a global initiative to elucidate the role of host genetic factors in susceptibility and severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic (Nature)
- Do Your Genes Predispose You to COVID-19? (Scientific American)
