Gene variant may explain asymptomatic COVID-19 cases

A common gene variant, HLA-B*15:01, is associated with a higher likelihood of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.
The variant allows the immune system to recognize and respond effectively to SARS-CoV-2 before symptoms develop.
People with the gene variant were over twice as likely to have an asymptomatic infection compared to the general population.
The findings could inform the development of new vaccines and therapies tailored to this immune response.
More diverse research is needed to fully understand the role of genetics in different populations and outcomes.