Researchers from the University of Oxford have discovered a gene that has the potential to double the risk of COVID-19-related lung failure and death in people of South Asian ancestry.
According to the researchers, 60% of people of South Asian ancestry and 15% of those of European ancestry had the high-risk version of the gene.
The findings may explain why particular groups across the Indian subcontinent have experienced greater rates of hospitalization and death. Many other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions, play a role, the scientists particularly emphasized, therefore the gene cannot be used as a sole explanation.
The scientists found that the higher-risk form of the gene hinders the cells that line the airways and lungs from adequately responding to the virus.
They found that in persons under the age of 65, the genetic signal increased the risk of dying from COVID-19.
In addition, despite the virus's enormous impact on persons of Afro-Caribbean descent, just 2% of them have the higher-risk genotype.
Vaccination, which remains the greatest form of protection for people with the gene, known as LZTFL1, might be especially beneficial, according to the scientists. Although no tailored medications are now available, the findings open the possibility of research into treatments particular to patients with this gene.
Artificial intelligence and cutting-edge molecular technology were used to discover the gene. The researchers utilized a new way to focus on the DNA behind this specific genetic signal after training an algorithm to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data from hundreds of different types of cells all across the body.
The higher risk version gene, however, has no effect on the body's immune system, which produces antibodies to combat infections, according to researchers, who added that people who have this form of the gene should respond normally to vaccines.
"(The study) shows that the way in which the lung responds to the infection is critical. This is important because most treatments have focused on changing the way in which the immune system reacts to the virus," Professor James Davies, co-lead of the study, said.
The findings were published in the Nature Genetics journal.
