The role of host genetics in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity

Abstract

This article provides a review of studies evaluating the role of host (and viral) genetics (including variation in HLA genes) in the immune response to coronaviruses, as well as the clinical outcome of coronavirus-mediated disease. The initial sections focus on seasonal coronaviruses, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV. We then examine the state of the knowledge regarding genetic polymorphisms and SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The article concludes by discussing research areas with current knowledge gaps and proposes several avenues for future scientific exploration in order to develop new insights into the immunology of SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: COVID-19; GWAS; HLA; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; alleles; coronavirus; genes; genetic variation; genome-wide association study; immunogenetics; polymorphisms; severe acute respiratory syndrome; single nucleotide; systems biology; vaccine.