Association of HLA-B22 serotype with SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in Hong Kong Chinese patients

HLA. 2021 Feb;97(2):127-132. doi: 10.1111/tan.14135. Epub 2020 Dec 1.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Since its first report in December 2019, COVID-19 has evolved into a global pandemic causing massive healthcare and socioeconomic challenges. HLA system is critical in mediating anti-viral immunity and recent studies have suggested preferential involvement of HLA-B in COVID-19 susceptibility. Here, by investigating the HLA-B genotypes in 190 unrelated Chinese patients with confirmed COVID-19, we identified a significant positive association between the B22 serotype and SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.002, Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.032). Notably, the B22 serotype has been consistently linked to susceptibility to other viral infections. These data not only shed new insights into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and vaccine development but also guide better infection prevention/control.

Keywords: COVID-19; Chinese; HLA; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asian People / genetics
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / genetics*
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • HLA-B Antigens / classification
  • HLA-B Antigens / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunogenetic Phenomena
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • HLA-B Antigens
  • HLA-B22 antigen