Could asthma protect against severe COVID-19?
ACE2 gene expression is reduced in those with asthma which could lead to less severe illness, researchers say
People with asthma and allergies have reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) gene expression which may offer protection against severe COVID-19 illness, a study suggests.
SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 as its cellular receptor.
Studies have shown that higher expression of ACE2 is associated with smoking, diabetes and hypertension, all of which have been tied to increased COVID-19 severity.
While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists asthma as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness, early case series from China did not include asthma and respiratory allergies as significant factors.
