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The human genetic epidemiology of COVID-19

Mari E K Niemi1, Mark J Daly1,2,3, Andrea Ganna4,5,6

  • 1Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|May 2, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Human genetics research reveals why some individuals experience severe COVID-19. Genetic studies identified key genomic regions, advancing our understanding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and informing future infectious disease research.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human genetics offers insights into the varying severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Understanding individual responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genetic factors influencing COVID-19 severity.
  • To explore the role of human genetics in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
  • To highlight opportunities for translating genetic findings into clinical practice and future research.

Main Methods:

  • Large-scale genetic association studies were conducted.
  • Both rare and common genetic variants were analyzed.
  • Diverse study designs and COVID-19 phenotype definitions were employed.

Main Results:

  • Several genomic regions associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity were identified.
  • Genetic findings have enhanced the understanding of COVID-19 aetiology.
  • These studies provide a foundation for managing COVID-19.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic discoveries offer pathways for clinical applications like risk prediction and drug repurposing.
  • Insights into host-viral interactions and immune responses are emerging.
  • The study of human genetics has broad implications for managing infectious diseases beyond the current pandemic.

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