In a new report prepared by international experts, it is stated that some people may have genetic resistance to COVID-19, in other words, innate immunity and can be used as a previously unused resource in the fight against the virus. It is known that there are genes that show natural resistance in other infections, including HIV and norovirus, and this discovery could pave the way for understanding COVID-19 and developing better treatments and vaccines.
The research, published in the journal Nature Immunology, outlines factors that can affect an individual’s susceptibility to serious consequences, as well as factors that can lead to innate resistance. The team also presents several objectives for future research and a comprehensive strategy that details how this research will be conducted.
As has become evident in the 22 months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, infections vary from person to person, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Some suffer mildly, some are hospitalized, and some continue to suffer for months after infection. Secondary disease rates can reach 70 percent in some households, and while the rest of the family has COVID-19, it is known that there are many who resist infection. However, this is not the result of a malicious virus carefully choosing its targets. The authors of this new study suggest that perhaps the clinical variability of COVID-19 can be explained by genetic factors.
The team hopes that the results of this study can lead to the development of new COVID therapies and says, “Our study has the potential to pave the way for the development of rational new drugs that block SARS-CoV-2 infection.”
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