The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells is dependent upon angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which serves as a functional attachment receptor for the viral spike glycoprotein, and the serine protease TMPRSS2 which allows fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. We devised a quantitative measure to estimate genetic determinants of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression and applied this measure to >2,500 individuals. Our data show significant variability in genetic determinants of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression among individuals and between populations, and indicate a genetic predisposition for lower expression levels of both key viral entry genes in African populations. These data suggest that host genetics related to viral entry mechanisms might influence inter-individual variability in disease susceptibility and severity of COVID-19.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, Genetic, eQTL, TMPRSS2, 【초록키워드】 susceptibility, host genetics, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, viral entry, severity of COVID-19, African, glycoprotein, receptor, disease, Quantitative, mechanism, Genetic predisposition, genetic determinant, host cell, individual, Variability, TMPRSS2 expression, serine protease TMPRSS2, viral spike, lower expression, host cell membranes, populations, applied, functional, individuals, entry of SARS-CoV-2, inter-individual, 【제목키워드】 Population, expression, host cell, Factor, Variability, the SARS-CoV-2,