News briefs

Genetic factors associated with predisposition for COVID‐19 critical illness

More than 20 host genetic variants that predispose patients who are infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 to become critically ill have been identified in a University of Queensland‐led study published in Nature. The findings may have direct implications for the development of new treatments and the future prioritisation of therapy. Critical illness in COVID‐19 is caused by inflammatory lung injury, which is mediated by the host’s immune system. Genetic factors are known to have a role, but researchers are only just beginning to understand the nature of the variants involved. In this study, researchers compared whole genome sequences of more than 7000 patients who became critically ill with COVID‐19 with those of more than 48 000 matched control individuals to identify 23 variants that predispose to life‐threatening disease. Sixteen of these are newly discovered variants. They include variants within genes involved in interferon signalling, leucocyte differentiation and the production of mucin proteins, which are important factors in the regulation of the immune system and functioning of the lung. Some of the variants identified are suitable targets for drugs, raising the possibility of new therapies designed to target the genetic mechanisms that predispose to life‐threatening disease. The results are also broadly consistent with a multicomponent model of COVID‐19, in which at least two distinct components can predispose to life‐threatening illness: a failure to control viral replication, and an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586‐022‐04576‐6

Reading to at‐risk kids builds resilience

Research from the University of South Australia, published in Child Abuse and Neglect, shows that reading aloud can triple a child’s resilience at school, particularly for children at‐risk. Focusing on early primary school‐aged children who had suffered abuse or neglect, the study explored factors that could modify the negative effects of adverse life circumstances, finding that one of the biggest predictors of resilience in both boys and girls in struggling families was being read to at home. While reading to children at home has long been associated with school readiness and scholastic outcomes, this is the first study that has shown the benefits of reading to mitigate some of the detrimental trajectories of child maltreatment. The study analysed data covering 65 083 children who had completed the Early Australian Development Census at 5–6 years of age, when starting primary school, identifying 3414 high risk children who had experienced maltreatment. Boys were found to be developmentally behind girls, particularly those who had been exposed to abuse or neglect. Among high risk children, 51.2% demonstrated resilience. Predictors of resilience in the multivariable model were being older, not having an emotional condition, and being read to at home. Risk factors were being male, living in rural or remote areas, having a physical or sensory disability, or having a learning disability.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145213421003707