Association of human leukocyte antigen class II alleles with epithelial cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix...

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogenesis and long-term effects require further investigation.
• The role of genetic factors, particularly human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, in COVID-19 severity is not well understood.
• Systemic inflammation and organ damage are key indicators of severe COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between HLA class II alleles and COVID-19 severity.
• To explore the relationship between HLA class II alleles and blood-based markers of systemic inflammation, organ damage, epithelial cell apoptosis (CK18-M30), and extracellular matrix production (hyaluronic acid, HA).

Main Methods:

• Study included 101 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Serum levels of CK18-M30 and HA were measured using ELISA.
• HLA typing for HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 loci was performed using PCR with sequence-specific primers.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 severity correlated with older age, male gender, and elevated HA, CK18-M30, and inflammation markers.
• No direct association was found between HLA alleles and COVID-19 severity.
• Specific HLA alleles showed associations with HA (HLA-DRB1*04, HLA-DRB1*12) and CK18-M30/liver enzymes (HLA-DQB1*03:01, HLA-DQB1*06:01).

Conclusions:

• HLA class II alleles may indirectly influence acute COVID-19 severity.
• Associations between HLA alleles and markers of epithelial cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix production suggest a role for these genes in disease outcomes.