GM Allotypes and COVID-19. A Pilot Study Performed on Sicilian Patients.

Authors :: Ligotti ME
Calabrò A
Accardi G
Aiello A
Caruso C
Colomba C
Di Bona D
Duro G
Namboodiri AM
Tuttolomondo A
Pandey JP
Candore G
Source :: Translational medicine @ UniSa [Transl Med UniSa] 2022 Dec 27; Vol. 24 (2), pp. 26-29. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Dec 27 (Print Publication: 2022).
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: Several studies suggest that genetic variants that influence the onset, maintenance and resolution of the immune response might be fundamental in predicting the evolution of COVID-19. In the present paper, we analysed the distribution of GM allotypes (the genetic markers of immunoglobulin γ chains) in symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients and in healthy controls, all born and residing in Sicily. Indeed, the role played by GM allotypes in immune responses and infection control is well known. Our findings show that the GM23 allotype is significantly reduced in healthy controls. Interestingly, in a previous study, Sicilians carrying the GM23 allotype were associated with the risk of developing a symptomatic Human Cytomegalovirus infection. However, a note of caution should be considered, due to the small sample size of patients and controls.<br />Competing Interests: Conflict of interest No conflict of interest.<br /> (© 2022 Università di Salerno.)