First report on genome wide association study in western Indian population reveals host genetic factors for COVID-19 severity and outcome

• Published in: Genomics (San Diego, Calif.) Calif.), 2022-07, Vol.114 (4), p.110399-110399, Article 110399
• Main Authors: Pandit, Ramesh, Singh, Indra, Ansari, Afzal, Raval, Janvi, Patel, Zarna, Dixit, Raghav, Shah, Pranay, Upadhyay, Kamlesh, Chauhan, Naresh, Desai, Kairavi, Shah, Meenakshi, Modi, Bhavesh, Joshi, Madhvi, Joshi, Chaitanya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alleles; Asian People; COVID-19; COVID-19 - diagnosis; COVID-19 - genetics; Genome wide association (GWAS); Genome-Wide Association Study; Host genetic factor; Humans; India; OX40 Ligand - genetics; SARS-CoV-2; Tumor Necrosis Factors - genetics
• ISSN: 0888-7543; 1089-8646
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110399

Different human races across the globe responded in a different way to the SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to different disease severity. Therefore, it is anticipated that host genetic factors have a straight association with the COVID-19. We identified a total 6, 7, and 6 genomic loci for deceased-recovered, asymptomatic-recovered, and deceased-asymptomatic group comparison, respectively. Unfavourable alleles of the markers nearby the genes which are associated with lung and heart diseases such as Tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF4&18), showed noteworthy association with the disease severity and outcome for the COVID-19 patients in the western Indian population. The markers found with significant association with disease prognosis or recovery are of value in determining the individual's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be used for the risk prediction in COVID-19. Besides, GWAS study in other populations from India may help to strengthen the outcome of this study. •Genome Wide Association Study for the western Indian population was performed.•Genomics loci for COVID-19 severity and outcome has been identified.•TNFSF4&18, GOT2P2, and DHX15 are significantly associated with COVID-19 severity.•RFX3 and UBXN10 found to be protective in COVID-19 patients in the study population.•The identified unfavourable alleles can be used for risk prediction for COVID-19.