The genes in that zone include the SLC6A20 gene, which is responsible with producing proteins. This protein interacts with ACE2, which is a culprit protein that it is used by the new coronavirus in order to enter its host cells and genes for chemokine receptors. These are the parts that are involved in the inflammation process.
Given the fact that ACE2 and inflammation are common part of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, it gives the possibility to explain why certain variation in the zone of the DNA are associated with worse Covid-19 symptoms.
The same researchers from the Max Planck Institute published a paper in the “PNAS” magazine in which the developed the idea that a protective locus on chromosome 12 was linked with low risk of intensive care for SARV-CoV-2 patients.
They think that the protective effects that this genetic variation gives is because the OAS genes that are found in this zone have a role in counteracting viral attacks.
It is believed that both of these genetic variations are actually inherited from Neanderthals people, who disappeared over 40,000 years ago. A lot of their DNA remained remarkable in the human genetic code. Nowadays, this is carried by approximately 16% of people in Europe and 50% of people in South Africa.
