Genetic Association Between TMPRSS2 Polymorphisms and COVID-19 Severity in Brazilian Health Workers

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• COVID-19 exhibits diverse clinical presentations, suggesting host genetic factors influence disease outcomes.
• The TMPRSS2 enzyme plays a crucial role in facilitating viral entry during infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of TMPRSS2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs12329760 and rs2070788, with COVID-19 outcomes in a Brazilian hospital professional population.
• To determine if specific alleles of these SNPs correlate with infection rates, symptoms, or disease severity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 363 hospital professionals in Sergipe, Brazil, was recruited.
• DNA was extracted from buccal cells for SNP genotyping using quantitative PCR (qPCR).
• Clinical-epidemiological data on COVID-19 infection, symptoms, and severity were collected via a self-reported questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The SNP rs12329760 showed no significant association with any COVID-19 outcomes.
• The SNP rs2070788 was significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes in both additive and recessive genetic models.
• The G allele of rs2070788 was linked to more severe disease presentations and potentially enhanced viral entry due to increased TMPRSS2 expression.

Conclusions:

• The TMPRSS2 rs2070788 polymorphism is a significant host genetic factor influencing COVID-19 severity in this Brazilian population.
• The G allele of rs2070788 may increase susceptibility to severe COVID-19 by upregulating TMPRSS2 expression and facilitating viral entry.
• Further research is warranted to explore the precise mechanisms by which rs2070788 impacts viral pathogenesis.