Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
Genetic predisposition in patients with severe COVID-19
Wen-Bing Liu1,2, Dan Liu1, Jin Yan1
1CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Genetic variants influence COVID-19 severity and cytokine storm. Understanding the genetic basis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aids early detection and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with varied severity.
- Severe cases involve cytokine storm, multi-organ failure, and mortality.
- Risk factors include male gender, advanced age, comorbidities, and potentially genetic factors.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
- It highlights genetic variants associated with COVID-19 severity and cytokine storm.
- Focuses on immune genes like TLR7 and UNC13D identified in severe cases.
Key Points:
- Genetic defects may contribute to severe COVID-19 and cytokine storm.
- Specific genetic variants in immune response genes are linked to disease severity.
- Immune response mechanisms to SARS-CoV-2 are complex and influenced by host genetics.
Conclusions:
- Investigating the genetic underpinnings of COVID-19 is crucial.
- Identifying genetic predispositions can inform early disease detection strategies.
- Understanding genetic factors enables personalized intervention approaches for severe COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation

