Implication of IL-12A, IL-12B, IL-6, and TNF single-nucleotide polymorphisms in severity and susceptibility to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant global morbidity and mortality. Understanding the genetic factors that influence disease outcomes can provide critical insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in , , , and genes and the severity as well as susceptibility to COVID-19 among Moroccan patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Next-Generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted on 325 Moroccan participants, 207 patients with PCR-confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and 118 controls. Among these patients, 51% presented moderate to severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, while 49% were asymptomatic or experienced mild symptoms and did not require hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using codominant, dominant, and recessive logistic regression models to assess correlations with the severity and susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.

RESULTS

No association was found between SNPs of , , or and COVID-19 severity and susceptibility. However, our results unveiled a noteworthy association with rs2069840, which exhibited a negative correlation (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.07-0.69, = .006), suggesting a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms in , , , and genes are not correlated to the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19.