Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19



Niemi, Mari EK, Karjalainen, Juha, Daly, Mark, Ganna, Andrea, Mehtonen, Juha, Cordioli, Mattia, Kaunisto, Mari, Pigazzini, Sara, Donner, Kati, Kivinen, Katja
et al (show 3481 more authors) (2021) Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19. NATURE, 600 (7889). 472-+.

[img] Text
s41586-021-03767-x.pdf - Published version

Download (7MB) | Preview

Abstract

The genetic make-up of an individual contributes to the susceptibility and response to viral infection. Although environmental, clinical and social factors have a role in the chance of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19<sup>1,2</sup>, host genetics may also be important. Identifying host-specific genetic factors may reveal biological mechanisms of therapeutic relevance and clarify causal relationships of modifiable environmental risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes. We formed a global network of researchers to investigate the role of human genetics in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. Here we describe the results of three genome-wide association meta-analyses that consist of up to 49,562 patients with COVID-19 from 46 studies across 19 countries. We report 13 genome-wide significant loci that are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe manifestations of COVID-19. Several of these loci correspond to previously documented associations to lung or autoimmune and inflammatory diseases<sup>3-7</sup>. They also represent potentially actionable mechanisms in response to infection. Mendelian randomization analyses support a causal role for smoking and body-mass index for severe COVID-19 although not for type II diabetes. The identification of novel host genetic factors associated with COVID-19 was made possible by the community of human genetics researchers coming together to prioritize the sharing of data, results, resources and analytical frameworks. This working model of international collaboration underscores what is possible for future genetic discoveries in emerging pandemics, or indeed for any complex human disease.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, Humans, Critical Illness, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Inflammation, Body Mass Index, Hospitalization, Information Dissemination, Smoking, Autoimmunity, Multifactorial Inheritance, Female, Male, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Genome-Wide Association Study, Genetic Loci, Geographic Mapping, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Racial Groups
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2022 14:47
Last Modified: 24 Aug 2023 07:16
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03767-x
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3146138