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Dissecting human population variation in single-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2
Yann Aquino1,2, Aurélie Bisiaux1, Zhi Li1
1Human Evolutionary Genetics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France.
SARS-CoV-2 triggers weaker, more varied immune responses than influenza, with population differences influenced by genetics and cell composition. Natural selection and Neanderthal DNA also shape these diverse immune reactions to viruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Virology
Background:
- Interindividual clinical variability exists after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Population differences in immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate population differences in immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus.
- To identify genetic and cellular drivers of these population disparities.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 222 diverse donors.
- Stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus.
- Expression quantitative trait loci and mediation analyses.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 induced weaker, more heterogeneous interferon-stimulated gene activity than influenza A virus.
- Marked population differences in transcriptional responses were observed, driven by cell abundance changes.
- Natural selection and Neanderthal introgression were found to increase population differences in immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Cell composition broadly affects population disparities in immune responses, with genetic variants playing a key role.
- Evolutionary factors, including natural selection and archaic introgression, have shaped immune responses to viruses.
- Genetic factors underlying immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 overlap with those influencing COVID-19 severity.
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