Human genetic factors may contribute to the extremely high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 severity among the elderly may be related to immunosenescence, changes in cytokine patterns, activation of inflammatory pathways, and impaired innate and adaptive immune responses.
Two recent papers by Brazilian researchers have contributed to the scientific understanding of the genetic factors that protect people against infection by SARS-CoV-2 or prevent progression to severe COVID-19.
‘Mutations of MUC22 may have a protective role in the airways against the virus by lowering hyperactive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.’
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