Host factors: Implications in immunopathogenesis of COVID-19

Pathol Res Pract. 2021 Dec:228:153647. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153647. Epub 2021 Oct 12.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is more serious in people with underlying diseases, but the cause of healthy people with progressive disease is largely unknown. Host genetic factors such as ACE2 variants, IFITM-3, HLA, TMRSS2, and furin polymorphisms appear to be one of the agents involved in the progression of the COVID-19 and outcome of the disease. This review discusses the general characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, including viral features, receptors, cell entry, clinical findings, and the main human genetic factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and get the patients' situation more complex. Further knowledge in this context may help to find a way to prevent and treat this viral pneumonia.

Keywords: ACE2; COVID-19; Genetic susceptibility; Polymorphisms; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / genetics
  • COVID-19 / genetics
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • Furin / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity*

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • IFITM3 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
  • FURIN protein, human
  • Furin