Do MHC genes play a role in the severity of COVID-19? [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do MHC genes play a role in the severity of COVID-19?
IRAS ID
283409
Contact name
David Langton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS FT
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 7 days
Research summary
For reasons that have largely been attributed to social factors, mortality rates from COVID-19 infection differ greatly among countries, particularly between Central Europe and South East Asia. While statistical analysis is complex, on the face of it, there even appear to be regional differences in mortality rates within European populations.\nMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are important factors in the host response viruses. These genes encode for the production of peptide binding grooves (PBGs) on the surface of cells. The three-dimensional structure of PBGs determine which foreign peptides are more likely to be presented to white cells. MHC genes therefore contribute to the rapidity, intensity and effectiveness of the host response to infection.\nThere appears to be marked variation in MHC gene distribution between areas affected more or less severely by COVID-19. As an example, in Lombardy, a much larger proportion of individuals possess the DQA1*05:05/DQB1*03:01 haplotype compared to most countries in Western Europe.(8) This haplotype is found relatively infrequently in Asia.\nImproved understanding of genetic susceptibility to severe disease could help in the current crisis (and create a model for future pandemics) by targeting resources to “higher risk” individuals (vaccines/screening) and alleviating social restrictions of “lower risk” individuals.\n\nFundamentally, we would like to test the MHC genes of younger, previously well patients admitted to hospital suffering from COVID infection, to determine whether they differ from a group of patients exposed to the virus who remained asymptomatic. \n\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0184
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion