Popular science: some severe cases of new coronary disease may be related to genetic mutations and other factors

　　Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 28. An international research team has recently discovered that the occurrence of severe COVID-19 may be related to weaknesses in the patient's own immune system, such as related gene mutations and the production of autoantibodies.

　　The team recently published two related papers in the American journal Science.

Starting in February this year, they have conducted research and analysis on more than 3,000 severely ill patients with new coronary disease worldwide.

The results found that in a group of 659 patients, 23 patients (about 3.5%) had congenital mutations in antiviral-related genes; in another group of 987 patients, at least 101 patients (that is, at least 10%) were present in their bodies. We are not the enemy", autoantibodies that attack our immune system.

　　Both of these weaknesses in the immune system can make it difficult for Type I interferon to function in the patient's body.

Interferon is an active protein produced by cells after being invaded by viruses or certain bacteria, which has a wide range of antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Type I interferons have the ability to restrict virus reproduction.

　　The research team found that some genetic mutations can hinder the production and function of type I interferon, which makes the human body more vulnerable when attacked by the new coronavirus; autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may allow patients to produce autoantibodies. It affects the absorption and effect of type I interferon, and this autoantibody has not been detected in patients with mild new coronary disease.

　　Jean-Laurent Casanova, a researcher from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the United States who led the study, said that the results of this research can quickly play a role in the treatment of new crowns. If autoantibodies are detected in patients with new crowns, Clearing these autoantibodies may help relieve symptoms.

　　The researchers said that further research in the future will help better distribute the new crown vaccine and even clinical treatment. For example, patients who have detected autoantibodies can choose more appropriate interferon or use plasma exchange therapy.