HLA Class I Genotypes and Their Role in COVID-19 Severity: A Study in the Isfahan Province

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), poses a significant global health threat. The host immune response determines the disease severity, with factors like human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, age, sex, and nutritional status influencing outcomes. HLA genes, known for their genetic diversity, are implicated in determining susceptibility and severity of infectious diseases. This study investigated the association between HLA class I genotypes and COVID-19 severity in the Isfahan population, Iran. Materials & Methods:Blood samples were collected from 34 COVID-19 patients with varying levels of disease severity (severe, moderate, and mild). HLA genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP), and in silico analysis assessed the affinity of viral peptides to HLA alleles. Findings: Statistical analyses revealed that HLA-C07 was more prevalent in patients with severe COVID-19, suggesting a potential association between this allele and the disease severity. Furthermore, HLA-A01 was more prevalent among severe cases, while HLA-A02 and HLA-A03 were less frequent, indicating a possible predisposing role for HLA-A01 and protective roles for HLA-A02 and HLA-A*03. Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of HLA molecules in COVID-19 severity and offer insights into genetic factors influencing outcomes. Understanding the association of specific HLA alleles, such as HLA-C07, HLA-A01, HLA-A02, and HLA-A03, with the disease progression lays a foundation for advancing personalized preventive and therapeutic approaches. These results contribute to knowledge on host genetics in infectious diseases, paving the way for further research and therapeutic strategies. © 2025, TMU Press.