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IFNL4 genetic variant can predispose to COVID-19
Jose Maria R Saponi-Cortes1, Maria Dolores Rivas2, Fernando Calle-Alonso3
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Caceres, Caceres, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|October 28, 2021
Summary
Genetic variants in the Interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene, specifically the rs12979860 polymorphism, may increase susceptibility to COVID-19. The T allele appears to be a risk factor for developing the disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon lambda 4 (IFNλ4) exhibits antiviral properties against RNA viruses, including some coronaviruses.
- Genetic variations in IFNL4 influence RNA virus clearance, but their impact on SARS-CoV-2 is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the rs12979860 polymorphism of IFNL4 and susceptibility to COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study comparing the frequency of IFNL4 rs12979860 genotypes in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis including odds ratios and confidence intervals to assess the risk associated with specific alleles and genotypes.
Main Results:
- The T allele of rs12979860 was significantly more prevalent in COVID-19 patients (36.16%) than in controls (26.40%), indicating it as a potential risk factor (OR 0.633).
- Conversely, the CC genotype was less frequent in COVID-19 patients (37.85%) compared to controls (55.51%) (OR 0.488).
- These associations remained consistent regardless of patient sex, age, or disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variants of IFNL4, particularly the rs12979860 polymorphism, may predispose individuals to COVID-19.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking IFNL4 genetics to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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