Relationship between HLA-II Gene Polymorphisms and Immune Response in COVID-19 Survivors and Volunteers Vaccinated against This Infection.

The polymorphism of HLA class II genes was studied in COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated people. Six allelic variants of DQA1, 10 of DQB1, and 11 of DRB1 were identified. The DQA105:01 allele predominated in vaccinated volunteers and the DQA102:01, 01:03, and DQB106:02-8 alleles predominated in convalescents. In the groups with DQA1*01:01, 05:01 and 06:01 alleles, a high proportion of individuals seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 S protein was found. In the group with DQA102:01 allele, 40% of volunteers were found to have IgM and a significantly lower quantity of IgG to N protein of coronavirus. Comparative analysis showed a statistically significant increase in IL-10 levels in carriers of the DQA101:01 allele, which may indicate the influence of this allele on cytokine production. Further study of the immune response indices and their association with HLA class II gene polymorphism will provide better understanding of the mechanisms of COVID-19 immunogenesis.