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.