HLA and COVID-19 Disease Burden

Abstract: COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), possesses varying degree of susceptibility and lethality worldwide. The reason behind this geographical variation is likely to be multifactorial and is driven by a combination of genetic (HLA) and epigenetic factors. In this background the objective of the present discourse is to provide a complimentary overview on associations between classical HLA class I and class II molecules and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the role of HLA genetic diversity in determining the geographical distribution pattern, risk, severity, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, we performed a literature search reviewing pertinent articles and documents. Present review presumed that, individual HLA genotypes differentially induce the T-cell mediated antiviral response and potentially alter the course of disease and its transmission. Individuals with some HLA types are at higher risk from the disease while others remain protective. At present time when vaccination process has been started, the isolation of those individuals with high-risk HLA types could be prioritized for vaccination.

Keywords: COVID-19, HLA, Ethnic Variation, Genetic Polymorphism.