HIGHLIGHTS

TLR7 DEFICIENCY PREDISPOSES TO SEVERE COVID-19 IN MEN

in this case series of 4 young male patients with severe COVID-19, rare putative loss-of-function variants X-chromosomal TLR7 were identified that were associated with impaired type I and II IFN responses. These preliminary findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

SCREEN FOR MORE TLR7 MUTATIONS

Spanish-Dutch research has revealed two new mutations in the TLR7 gene in healthy young men who became seriously ill with severe COVID-19. It is becoming increasingly plausible that such mutations undermine a sufficient immune response agaist SARS-CoV-2.