Genetic factors influencing the course of a SARS-CoV-2 infection

Epidemiologic investigation of peptide signatures, immunity, genetic predisposition, and alterations in SARS-CoV-2 (EPI-Dx)

 

Harmless, serious or even fatal: Which role do genetic factors play in the course of an infection with SARS-CoV-2? The EPI-Dx study currently being conducted by ATLAS Biolabs, in.vent Diagnostica and MicroDiscovery investigates this question which has so far remained unanswered.

The idea for this study was born at the DiagnostikNet|BB (Netzwerk Diagnostik Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.) where companies regularly exchange information on life science topics. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, grant no. 03COV21. Coordinator of the study is Dr. Karsten R. Heidtke, head of the Bioinformatics and Research Department at ATLAS Biolabs.

During the EPI-Dx study, various clinical and molecular genetic parameters of 500 individuals will be examined. The particular research interest is on the membrane proteins ACE2 and TMPRSS2. As shown by previous research results, they are essentially involved in the viral penetration into the host cell. Since the genetic makeup varies from person to person, this results in different phenotypic expressions, leading to individual courses of the disease with or without severe complications. Genetic variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are also taken into account. A diagnostic panel will be developed based on the results of laboratory tests and bioinformatics analyses. This will allow evidence-based prognosis not only of the risk of contracting the COVID-19 disease, but also of its progression.

The use of high-performance sequencing and microarray technologies enables short-term scaling of the method and prompt screening of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, including their impact on the clinical course of an infection. Better understanding of individual characteristics leads to better understanding of epidemiological trends. Moreover, it can also provide promising approaches for personalised medicine and individually targeted patient care.

Thanks to their many years of expertise, the project partners ATLAS Biolabs, in.vent Diagnostica and MicroDiscovery are confident that they will be able to demonstrate the valuable know-how and capabilities of medium-sized biotech companies from the Berlin-Brandenburg region in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.