May 18, 2021
Keio University
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Human Genome Center, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo
Kitasato University
Kyoto University
The world continues to face the unprecedented threat of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To confront this threat, a collaborative research group, the "Corona Task Force," was launched in May 2020, bringing together experts from various fields including infectious disease, virology, molecular genetics, genomic medicine, computational science, and genetic statistics ( │Corona Task Force ). Initially, 40 medical institutions participated, but with strong endorsement from frontline healthcare workers and significant cooperation from patients with COVID-19, a large network of over 100 medical institutions nationwide was formed. As a result, by the end of April 2021, we had received cooperation from more than 3,400 patients, far exceeding the initial target of 600, creating the largest cohort in Asia with associated biological samples.
As part of its cutting-edge genomic analysis, the Corona Task Force conducted the first large-scale genome-wide association study in Asia to comprehensively compare the genotypes of COVID-19 patients and controls. They discovered that a genetic polymorphism (variant) in the region of a gene called "DOCK2," known to play an important role in immune function, is associated with the risk of severe disease in non-elderly individuals under 65. Since this variant is rarely found in people of European descent, it was suggested to be a strong candidate for a risk factor for severe disease specific to Asian populations, including the Japanese. On the other hand, the variant in the DOCK2 gene region alone cannot explain the differences in disease severity between populations, and it is considered important to continue further genomic research, including validation through analysis with an increased number of cases.
The activities of the Corona Task Force are widely recognized internationally, and it is conducting research with international collaborative groups. It has participated as the largest research group from Asia in the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative ( Home ), the world's largest consortium for host genome research on COVID-19, and has contributed to the identification of genetic polymorphisms (variants) related to the severity of COVID-19 infection. These research findings are scheduled to be disseminated promptly prior to submission to academic journals by posting pre-peer-review information on the preprint server medRxiv.
The Corona Task Force will continue its activities toward overcoming COVID-19, together with the patients fighting the novel coronavirus and the frontline healthcare workers.
For the full press release, please see below.