Genetic ‘shield’ may explain asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, scientists say
Melbourne researchers co-author a paper showing a genetic link for those who are infected but have no symptoms.
Australian and US researchers have discovered a genetic link that may explain why some people remain asymptomatic after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The research shows a person who carries one copy of the protective HLA-B15 gene is twice as likely to remain asymptomatic after infection with SARS-CoV-2.
And those carrying two copies of the gene are eight times more likely to be asymptomatic with COVID-19, the study in Nature found.
“The study of infected but asymptomatic people might enable us to identify new ways of promoting protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection by mimicking this immune ‘shield’ observed in individuals that can dodge COVID-19,” said Professor Stephanie Gras, from La Trobe University in Melbourne.
