Scientists find a gene that doubles the risk of death from COVID

Scientists identified a specific gene that doubles the risk of respiratory failure from COVID-19 and could explain in some way why some ethnic groups are more susceptible than others to developing severe disease.

Researchers at the University of Oxford revealed that a higher-risk version of the gene likely prevents the cells lining the airways and lungs from responding to the virus appropriately.

About 60% of people of South Asian descent carry this version of the gene, compared with 15% of people of European descent, according to the study published Thursday.

The findings help explain why higher rates of hospitalization and death may have been observed in certain communities and on the Indian subcontinent.

The authors cautioned that the gene cannot be used as a sole explanation, as many other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions, also play a role. Despite the great impact of the virus in people of Afro-Caribbean descent, only 2% carry the highest risk genotype.

People with the gene, known as LZTFL1, would particularly benefit from vaccination, which remains the best method of protection, the authors said. The findings raise the possibility of investigating specific treatments for patients with this gene, although such specific drugs are currently not available.

This “shows how the lung responds to infection is critical”Said James Davies, lead co-author and associate professor of genomics at Oxford, who worked in intensive care during the pandemic.

“This is important because most treatments have focused on changing the way the immune system reacts to the virus.”.

Davies and his colleagues found the gene using state-of-the-art molecular technology and artificial intelligence.

The team trained an algorithm to analyze large amounts of genetic data from hundreds of cell types throughout the body, and then used a new technique that allowed them to zero in on the DNA behind this specific genetic signal.

In equal conditions, “If you have the highest risk genotype and your COVID picture is complicated, there is a 50% chance that this would not have happened if you had the lowest risk genotypeDavies said Thursday at a press briefing.