Are there ACE2 polymorphisms that affect COVID-19 severity?
There is limited evidence about COVID-19-associated polymorphisms. ACE might be one of the candidate genes that influences pneumonia progression in SARS. It is conceivable that the D allele influences the renin–angiotensin system via elevation of serum or local ACE levels, which may damage the endothelium or epithelium of the lungs.17 The variance in COVID-19 prevalence and mortality cannot be explained by an ACE insertion or deletion polymorphism alone, or one polymorphism of any single gene. However, polymorphisms in genes of toll-like receptors, inflammasome, intracellular molecular sensors, interferons (IFNs)18and interleukins (ILs) may contribute.