Published online Jul 25, 2021. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v10.i4.137
Peer-review started: February 28, 2021
First decision: May 5, 2021
Revised: May 19, 2021
Accepted: May 23, 2021
Article in press: May 23, 2021
Published online: July 25, 2021
Processing time: 142 Days and 23 Hours
Genome-wide association analysis allows the identification of potential candidate genes involved in the development of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hence, it seems that genetics matters here, as well. Nevertheless, the virus's nature, including its RNA structure, determines the rate of mutations leading to new viral strains with all epidemiological and clinical consequences. Given these observations, we herein comment on the current hypotheses about the possible role of the genes in association with COVID-19 severity. We discuss some of the major candidate genes that have been identified as potential genetic factors associated with the COVID-19 severity and infection susceptibility: HLA, ABO, ACE2, TLR7, ApoE, TYK2, OAS, DPP9, IFNAR2, CCR2, etc. Further study of genes and genetic variants will be of great benefit for the prevention and assessment of the individual risk and disease severity in different populations. These scientific data will serve as a basis for the development of clinically applicable diagnostic and prognostic tests for patients at high risk of COVID-19.
Core Tip: Understanding what contributes to the development of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be of considerable clinical and therapeutic advantage. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection may present with different COVID-19 manifestations, where various host genetic factors influence the viral susceptibility, immune response, disease progression, and outcomes. Genome-wide association analysis allows the identification of potential candidate genes involved in the development of severe COVID-19. Hence, it seems that genetics matters here, as well.