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Genetic Variant Explains Severe Response to COVID-19 in Young Patients
A multiomics study utilized whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing and immune cell assays in combination with machine learning modelling to differentiate young critical COVID-19 patients from non-critical patients and healthy individuals, in the absence of co-morbidities. ADAM9, a gene that indirectly modulates NK T cell function is a top driver gene and possible therapeutic target for critical COVID-19 response.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 is thought to be asymptomatic or mild in healthy individuals while elderly individuals or those with pre-existing co-morbidities seem to be at a greater risk of severe disease. At present, there remains a major lack of information about the characteristics and risk factors associated with severe disease among young adult patients with COVID-19. On top of this, there is a need for understanding the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 and establishing biomarkers, to be able to identify patients who will progress to severe disease. Carpito et al. have been one of the first groups to identify driver genes and a signature of impaired immune response of critical COVID-19 in young, comorbidity-free patients.
