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Narrative Review Explaining the Role of HLA-A, -B, and -C Molecules in COVID-19 Disease in and around Africa

Infect Dis Rep

The article dives into how certain genes in our immune system, specifically the HLA-A, -B, and -C molecules, can affect COVID-19. These genes play a crucial role in how our bodies recognize and fight off infections.

In Africa, where genetic diversity is high, these genes vary greatly among different populations. This diversity can influence how individuals respond to COVID-19, affecting the severity of the disease and its outcomes.

The article explains that certain variations in these genes might make individuals more or less susceptible to the virus. Understanding these genetic differences could help researchers develop more targeted treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, especially in the diverse populations of Africa.

Overall, by unraveling the genetic story of how HLA genes interact with COVID-19 in Africa, scientists hope to better understand the disease and develop strategies to combat it effectively.

Disclaimer: This lay summary was generated by AI and has not been approved by any of the authors yet.

SANTHE is an Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) flagship programme funded by the Science for Africa Foundation through the DELTAS Africa programme; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Gilead Sciences Inc.; and the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard.