COVID-19 has infected hundreds of millions worldwide, yet some never get it. British researchers now think the reason could be a specific gene that gives the immune system advance warning to destroy viral invaders quickly.

London

Scientists may have found a clue as to why some individuals have never contracted COVID-19. Researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a challenge trial where healthy, unvaccinated adults were intentionally exposed to the original coronavirus strain. The study revealed that those who never became infected had a rapid immune response, potentially linked to high activity in a specific gene, HLA-DQA2. This gene may help the immune system quickly identify and destroy viral invaders before they can replicate. 

Immunologists, while intrigued by this discovery, note that the role of HLA-DQA2 in offering protection is still not fully understood. The ongoing research includes individuals like Hugh Potter, who was exposed to the virus but never fell ill, suggesting that his DNA might carry this protective gene. Scientists believe that uncovering how HLA-DQA2 functions could lead to the development of new vaccines targeting COVID-19 and possibly other respiratory illnesses. 

Further genetic research is necessary to fully understand the implications of this discovery. Experts stress that while this finding is significant, it represents just the beginning of uncovering the complex genetic factors that contribute to immunity against COVID-19 and other viruses.



Scientists discover why some never had COVID-19

Scientists have new leads on why some people never get COVID. There is a lot to learn from studies like this and it is quite exciting. In a world's first challenge trial done at the height of the pandemic researchers in the U.K. infected dozens of healthy unvaccinated adults with a low dose of the original coronavirus. Then closely tracked how long it took their immune system to kick in. Participants who were infected right away had a slow response. In those who became infected but quickly cleared the virus it was faster. But those who never became infected had the fastest response. Researchers noted high levels of activity in a specific gene called HLA-DQA2. Scientists think it helps flag viral invaders to the immune system so quick it destroys them before they can replicate. This work is really special in the point in the middle. Immunologists say they're still not sure how or why that specific gene offers protection. If you would ask me to bet money on what the genes that were going to be involved with the protection these are not the ones I would have chosen. I feel lucky. We met Hugh Potter in 2022. He was exposed to COVID through his wife but never got sick. His DNA is part of ongoing research. Potter now wonders if that gene's protecting him. They do have a gene which could mean in the future possible cures for people from maybe more than just the virus. Doctors who've been collecting DNA samples from people like Potter say while the UK study is helpful there are more genetic secrets to unravel. It puts an anchor in the ground and says we got to look at this and everything around it so that's how these major discoveries are made. All of the scientists we spoke with said while there are new variants and much more research is needed this gene could help invent new vaccines to target COVID and possibly other respiratory viruses too. Christine Birak, CBC News, Toronto.

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