Description
The genetic influence on the COVID-19 course has not yet been fully explored. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes encode HLA I and II molecules that bind to antigen peptides and present them to T lymphocytes, playing an essential role in regulating the host’s immune response. Previous studies suggest intense epithelial tissue damage and active extracellular matrix (ECM) formation in severe COVID-19. Our study aimed to determine the association of HLA Class II alleles with full-length cytokeratin 18 (CK18), caspase-cleaved CK18 fragment M30 (CK18-M30), and hyaluronic acid (HA) in serum as markers of epithelial cell necrosis, apoptosis, and ECM formation, respectively.. The study included 101 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized during the autumn of 2020. Routine clinical tests were performed at admission to the hospital. Serum levels of CK18, CK18-M30, and HA were determined by ELISA. HLA typing was performed in HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 loci by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. COVID-19 severity was determined according to the World Health Organization definition.. Patients with severe/critical COVID-19 had higher levels of CK18, CK18-M30, and HA than patients with the non-severe disease course. Patients with HLA-DQB1*03: 01 had a lower level of CK18-M30 than patients without it (207.0 U/l vs. 240.0 U/l, U=647.5, p<0.05). Patients with the HLA-DRB1*04 allele had a lower level of HA than patients without it (49.8 ng/ml vs. 81.2 ng/ml, U=610.5, p<0.05), but the presence of HLA-DRB1*12 in genotype was associated with a higher level of HA (320.0 ng/ml vs. 66.1 ng/ml, U=62.0, p<0.05).. HLA Class II alleles can affect the level of epithelial cell apoptosis and ECM production associated with severity during acute COVID-19.Period | 29 Mar 2023 |
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Event title | RSU Research Week 2023: Research Week 2023 Rīga Stradiņš University |
Event type | Conference |
Organiser | Riga Stradins University |
Location | Riga, LatviaShow on map |
Degree of Recognition | International |
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