HLA variation and antigen presentation in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection

The extraordinary variation of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules is critical for diversifying antigen presentation to T cells. Coupled with the rise of novel strains and rapidly evolving immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 proteins, HLAmediated immunity in COVID-19 is critically important but far from being fully understood. A growing number of studies have found the association of HLA variants with different COVID-19 outcomes and that HLA genotypes associate with differential immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. Prediction studies have shown that mutations in multiple viral strains, most concentrated in the Spike protein, affect the affinity between these mutant peptides and HLA molecules. Understanding the impact of this variation on T-cell responses is critical for comprehending the immunogenic mechanisms in both natural immunity and vaccine development.

Automated summary

The extraordinary variation of HLA molecules is critical for the immune response in COVID-19, but still not fully understood. Studies have found associations between HLA variants and different outcomes of COVID-19, as well as differential immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. Mutations in viral strains, particularly in the Spike protein, affect the affinity between mutant peptides and HLA molecules. Understanding the impact of this variation on T-cell responses is crucial for comprehending the immunogenic mechanisms.