The Overlap between Genetic Susceptibility to COVID-19 and Skin Diseases

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects the respiratory system, but the involvement of other organ systems has also been commonly reported. Acute acro-ischemia or chilblain like lesions were among the first recognized dermatological presentations of COVID-19. Though the occurrence of such lesions has been attributed to the similar interferon-1 mediated immune response in both COVID-19 and systemic lupus erythematosus, we propose another possible explanation based on a common genetic background. In a recent genome-wide association study, the 3p21.31 region was found to be associated with COVID-19 severity. This region also contains the TREX1 gene. Missense mutations of the TREX1 gene are responsible for familial chilblain lupus and its genetic polymorphisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on this observation, herein we have reviewed other COVID-19 risk loci for potential overlap with dermatological conditions.

Automated summary

COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system but can also involve other organ systems, including causing acute acro-ischemia or chilblain-like skin lesions. A genetic region associated with COVID-19 severity contains the TREX1 gene, mutations of which are linked to familial chilblain lupus and systemic lupus erythematosus. This suggests potential overlap between COVID-19 risk loci and dermatological conditions.