Dual Dove
The virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic is the SARS-CoV-2. Scientists have reported that people with genetic variation in their immune system are more likely to develop severe infections when in contact with the deadly virus, as per a new study.
For example, one of the most alarming consequences is the acute respiratory syndrome. The research was published in the Journal of Virology, on the 17th of April 2020. The immune system genes are called human leukocyte, and they are different from individual to individual.
Their leading role is to determine pathogens and can be affected by variations that determine how the pathogen is identified. When the recognition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is questionable, this is when the individual is more exposed to the infection.
Genetic variation in the immune system and COVID-19
It is of the utmost importance to determine which are the particularities of the HLA, being the part of the immune system that is responsible for storing several genes. In this way, the scientists will be one step closer to identify the individuals that are part of the risk category.
The scientists have demonstrated that the cooperation between the HLA and full genotype variability develops the capacity of the immune system to respond to the infection with the deadly virus. This study is the first to demonstrate the global distributions of HLA types during the ongoing pandemic period.
The upcoming release of a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-19 virus may not be useful for the individuals that present a high-risk HLA type. Therefore, pairing HLA with COVID-19 testing can improve the results of the studies and be faster and less expensive than what was discovered until now.
The American Society of Microbiology has already started its journey to promote the microbial science by utilizing publications, conferences and educational opportunities. This campaign raises awareness and improves the work of researchers all around the world while providing a network of renowned scientists.
