Candidate Genes of SARS-CoV-2 Gender Susceptibility
November 2021
in “
Scientific Reports
”
TLDR Men are more affected by COVID-19 due to differences in immune responses and protein expression.
The study investigated gender susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing molecular variations in proteins expressed in gonadal tissues, finding that men were more affected by COVID-19 due to differences in immune responses and protein expression like ACE2 and TMPRSS2. It identified specific genes in testicular and ovarian networks, such as TMPRSS2, ADAM10, SERPING1, and CCR5 in testis, and BST2, GATA1, ENPEP, TLR4, TLR7, IRF1, and IRF2 in ovaries, which may contribute to variable susceptibility and severity. The study suggested that male sex hormones could facilitate viral entry, while estrogen might offer protection. It also highlighted the role of the complement system in COVID-19 pathogenesis and the complex interplay of genetic factors influencing disease severity and outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
