What do Neanderthals Have to do with COVID-19?
It is no secret that COVID-19 has taken the globe by storm in 2020. While a major reason for this international spotlight, the dangerous nature of the virus is only a fraction of the story.
The devastation caused by the virus is, of course, frequently highlighted by nearly every news outlet on earth, but there is more nuance to the COVID-19 pandemic than meets the eye. The race to find effective treatment methods, develop vaccines, and more thoroughly understand the virus, the illness it causes, and long-term effects that may linger is taking place at breakneck speeds behind the scenes.
From health factors that increase risk to genetic traits that could affect how an individual responds to the virus—and potential treatments—the unknown surrounding COVID-19 are numerous. Developing an understanding of the virus and these individual factors is vital to unlocking effective treatments and quickly diagnosing at-risk individuals.
In examining the genetic factors that could contribute to increased COVID-19 risk, it was discovered that a certain gene cluster on chromosome 3 could indicate an increased risk for respiratory failure in those with severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19.
Multiple studies have confirmed this finding, including a study that included over 3,000 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This particular study showed that this gene cluster is a major genetic risk factor that could lead to severe COVID-19 symptoms after infection and hospitalization.
So, what does this genetic risk factor have to do with Neanderthals, and why does it matter?
It turns out that this particular genomic segment is inherited from Neanderthals. While an interesting bit of trivia on the surface, the true importance is far more sobering. Approximately half of the population in South Asia and 16% of Europe carries this genomic segment, making it a relatively common trait.
With such high percentages of the population carry this particular genomic segment inherited from Neanderthals, there is a strong possibility that a correlation between the commonness of the genetic trait and severity of COVID-19 cases.
It is not all doom and gloom, though. With each advancement in the knowledge surrounding COVID-19 and the risk factors related to it, doctors and researchers inch closer to finding effective treatments. In the case of this genetic trait, the findings could help identify at-risk populations and individuals, leading to more preemptive care.
