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 Research Uncovers Genetic Factors Granting Immune Edge to Asymptomatic COVID-19 Individuals — The Super Dodger Phenomenon!

Exclusive Study Reveals Genetic Advantage in Asymptomatic COVID-19 "Super Dodgers"

In a groundbreaking investigation, researchers from the United States and Australia have uncovered the fascinating phenomenon of some individuals, known as "super dodgers," who never experience common COVID-19 symptoms despite testing positive for the deadly virus. The study, led by the University of California - San Francisco (UCSF), suggests that genetics play a crucial role in conferring immunity against the virus.

The research focused on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), a set of protein markers that signal the immune system. Astonishingly, people who contracted COVID-19 but remained asymptomatic were found to be more than twice as likely as symptomatic individuals to carry a specific gene variation related to HLA. This genetic variant aids T cells in identifying and launching a rapid attack on the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, revealed that T cells from individuals with this genetic variation can recognize the novel coronavirus, even without prior exposure, owing to its resemblance to seasonal cold viruses they have encountered before. This exciting discovery could pave the way for new targets in drug and vaccine development.

Lead researcher, Professor Jill Hollenbach from UCSF, likened the advantage of this immune response to a well-prepared army that knows precisely what to target in battle.

The study involved analyzing 29,947 unvaccinated individuals through a mobile app tracking COVID-19 symptoms. Of these, 1,428 reported positive test results. Researchers found that individuals carrying the HLA-B*15:01 genetic variant were far more likely to remain asymptomatic after infection.

HLA-B*15:01 is a relatively common mutation, present in approximately 10 percent of the study's population. While it doesn't prevent the virus from infecting cells, it effectively shields individuals from developing even mild symptoms like a runny nose or a barely noticeable sore throat.

Among those who remained asymptomatic after infection, 20 percent carried at least one copy of the HLA-B*15:01 variant, compared to only 9 percent of those who experienced symptoms. Moreover, individuals carrying two copies of the variant were over eight times more likely to avoid feeling sick.

To understand how HLA-B15 works against the virus, the researchers collaborated with experts from La Trobe University in Australia, focusing on T-cell memory—the immune system's ability to remember past infections. They observed that T cells from individuals carrying HLA-B15 responded to a part of the novel coronavirus called the NQK-Q8 peptide, even without prior exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This remarkable ability is believed to be a result of prior exposure to seasonal coronaviruses containing a similar peptide called NQK-A8, which enables a faster and more effective immune response to SARS-CoV-2.

Professor Stephanie Gras, head of the laboratory at La Trobe University, highlighted that studying this unique immune response could lead to the development of future vaccines or drugs that promote enhanced protection against SARS-CoV-2.

This exclusive research sheds light on the fascinating world of "super dodgers" and opens up promising avenues for harnessing genetic advantages in the fight against COVID-19.