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Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 Based on T2R Phenotype.
Mohamed A Taha1,2, Christian A Hall1,3, Colin J Shortess1
1Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA.
Tailoring COVID-19 treatments to bitter taste receptor 38 (T2R38) phenotypes significantly impacts symptom duration. This personalized approach shows promise for improving patient outcomes in the ongoing pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitates effective treatments.
- Bitter taste receptor 38 (T2R38) phenotypes linked to COVID-19 severity.
- Varied treatment responses observed globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess T2R38 phenotypes' response to targeted COVID-19 treatment.
- Investigate if personalized medicine improves outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Categorized 747 COVID-19 patients into supertasters, tasters, and nontasters based on T2R38 expression.
- Administered phenotype-specific treatment protocols (dexamethasone, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine).
- Monitored symptom duration and hospitalization rates prospectively.
Main Results:
- Average symptom duration: 5 days (supertasters), 8.1 days (tasters), 16.2 days (nontasters).
- Only 3 nontasters required hospitalization.
- Significant correlation (p < 0.05) between T2R38 phenotype and treatment outcome.
Conclusions:
- Targeted COVID-19 treatment based on T2R38 phenotype is effective.
- Personalized medicine approach may explain inconsistent study results.
- Further research on T2R38 phenotype categorization is warranted.
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