Research groups such as Keio University have announced the results of analysis that the amount of protein produced by genes involved in immune control was reduced in people infected with the new coronavirus and became severely ill.
If a drug that activates this protein is found, it may become a new treatment method.
This research was published in the scientific journal Nature by a group led by Professor Koichi Fukunaga of Keio University and Professor Zuizo Okada of Osaka University.
As a result of analyzing the genetic data of people infected with the new corona using a method called genome-wide association analysis, the group found that mutations in the region of the gene called ``DOCK2'', which is involved in immune regulation, have a high risk of aggravation. confirmed.
In fact, we found that the expression of this gene was reduced in patients with severe disease compared to those who did not develop severe disease.
In addition, when examining the lung tissue of a person who died of severe disease, the amount of protein produced by this gene was small.
On top of that, as a result of conducting an experiment to suppress the function of this protein in hamsters infected with the new corona, the weight loss and severe pneumonia became severe.
The research group has confirmed that the decrease in the function of this protein is involved in the aggravation.
Professor Fukunaga said, "A drug that activates this protein may be a new therapeutic agent."