Background: The SARS-CoV-19 virus, belonging to the Coronaviridae family,
first emerged in Wuhan, China, in 2020. This virus is identified and enters the host
through the ACE2 receptor, causing disease. For entry into the host, the virus
requires the ACE2 receptor and primarily targets the respiratory system and lungs.
Research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a high sequence similarity to SARSCoV; however, it transmits more rapidly and is more lethal than SARS-CoV.
Interferons are a group of chemokines whose activity occurs through binding to
receptors and signaling pathways. Interferon Lambda 4 has demonstrated antiviral
activity against RNA viruses, including some coronaviruses. Additionally, genetic
variations in IFNL4 can predict the clearance of RNA viruses. However, there is
limited information regarding the impact of these genetic variations on SARS-CoV2 infection. Individuals carrying the CC genotype of SNP rs12979860 have shown
a higher incidence of COVID-19 compared to others. On the other hand, the T allele
of rs12979860 is more prevalent in COVID-19 patients compared to the general
healthy population, suggesting that this allele might be a risk factor for COVID-19.
In this context, the CC genotype of rs12979860 is significantly less frequent in
COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls.
Aim: A study investigating the effect of single nucleotide polymorphism of
interferon lambda 4 at the position (rs12979760) and its relationship with the
severity of the disease in patients with covid 19 virus.
Methodology: In this study, 150 peripheral blood samples were collected from
COVID-19 patients (including 90 patients with mild symptoms and 60 patients
with severe symptoms) from both men and women in the Persian Gulf and Social
Security hospitals in Bushehr Province, Iran. Additionally, DNA samples were
extracted from the saliva of friends and individuals residing in student dormitories
over a two-month period. It is noteworthy that DNA extraction from white b