Genetic Insights into COVID-19 Severity: The Role of TLR3 and IRF7 Polymorphisms in Egyptian patients

Abd-Allah, Doaa Mohamed; Mahgoub, Shahenda; Atya, Hanaa Beskales; Elbadry, Mohamed; El-Kassass, Mohamed; Ali, Sahar A.

doi:10.21608/aprh.2025.411977.1333

Genetic Insights into COVID-19 Severity: The Role of TLR3 and IRF7 Polymorphisms in Egyptian patients

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ Pharmacovigilance Department, Directorate of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health.

² Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt

³ Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt.

⁴ Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University , Cairo, Egypt.

⁵ Professor at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty of Pharmacy,Helwan University

10.21608/aprh.2025.411977.1333

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to explore the impact of TLR3 (rs3775296) and IRF7 (rs373394984) gene polymorphisms on the severity of COVID-19 in Egyptian patients. Methods: The present study included 175 COVID-19 patients, 87 with severe COVID-19 symptoms and 88 who were asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Blood samples were collected from all patients for DNA extraction. DNA Genotyping assay was performed for detecting specific SNPS (rs3775296) and (rs373394984) in the purified genomic DNA samples. Results: Although the two studied SNPs (rs3775296 and rs373394984) did not show a statistically significant difference between severe and mild COVID-19 cases, they may still have a protective effect. Our results indicate that both SNPs are associated with reduced severity, as the odds ratios are less than 1. Individuals carrying the mutant A allele have a 0.3 times lower likelihood of developing severe symptoms for rs373394984 and 0.5 times lower for rs3775296 compared to non-carriers. Furthermore, the mutant A allele of rs373394984 was predominant in cases which were associated with other co-morbidities. Conclusion: The studied SNPs (rs3775296 and rs373394984) may have a protective effect. This effect may suggest that these SNPs are involved in mechanisms that reduce severity of the disease. These findings highlight the potential role of genetic factors in COVID-19 severity and may contribute to a better risk assessment and targeted interventions in affected populations.

Keywords