Evolutionary history may help explain why some people develop more severe COVID-19 than others
Every time a virus invades a person, it collides with thousands of years of human history. A study led by researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Howard University suggests that some of the genes involved in the body's immune response today bear the marks of ancient battles with infectious diseases.
A new study explores the connection between human evolution and the severity of COVID-19. Researchers from USC Dornsife College and Howard University analyzed four immune system genes that have been linked to respiratory and inflammatory diseases over millions of years. The study, published in BMC Biology, examined genetic variants in these genes across diverse populations worldwide.
The findings suggest that evolutionary pressures from ancient infectious diseases have shaped the human immune system in unique ways, leaving traces in our DNA. The researchers identified rare variants in the TLR2 gene, which were more prevalent in COVID-19 patients who had previously undergone organ transplants or exhibited more severe symptoms.
However, these rare variants are likely more recent mutations compared to the long-term evolutionary changes observed in the other genes. The study highlights the importance of understanding the evolutionary history of our immune system to better comprehend why some individuals are more susceptible to severe COVID-19. While the findings provide valuable insights, further research is needed to confirm the associations and validate the results in larger, more diverse populations.
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