First report on genome wide association study in western Indian population reveals host genetic factors for COVID-19 severity and outcome

Genomics. 2022 Jul;114(4):110399. doi: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110399. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Abstract

Different human races across the globe responded in a different way to the SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to different disease severity. Therefore, it is anticipated that host genetic factors have a straight association with the COVID-19. We identified a total 6, 7, and 6 genomic loci for deceased-recovered, asymptomatic-recovered, and deceased-asymptomatic group comparison, respectively. Unfavourable alleles of the markers nearby the genes which are associated with lung and heart diseases such as Tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF4&18), showed noteworthy association with the disease severity and outcome for the COVID-19 patients in the western Indian population. The markers found with significant association with disease prognosis or recovery are of value in determining the individual's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be used for the risk prediction in COVID-19. Besides, GWAS study in other populations from India may help to strengthen the outcome of this study.

Keywords: COVID-19; Genome wide association (GWAS); Host genetic factor; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Asian People
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / genetics
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Humans
  • India
  • OX40 Ligand / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors / genetics

Substances

  • OX40 Ligand
  • TNFSF18 protein, human
  • TNFSF4 protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors