Total predicted MHC-I epitope load is inversely associated with population mortality from SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACT: Polymorphisms in MHC-I protein sequences across human populations significantly affect viral peptide binding capacity, and thus alter T cell immunity to infection. In the present study, we assess the relationship between observed SARS-CoV-2 population mortality and the predicted viral binding capacities of 52 common MHC-I alleles. Potential SARS-CoV-2 MHC-I peptides are identified using a consensus MHC-I binding and presentation prediction algorithm called EnsembleMHC. Starting with nearly 3.5 million candidates, we resolve a few hundred highly probable MHC-I peptides. By weighing individual MHC allele-specific SARS-CoV-2 binding capacity with population frequency in 23 countries, we discover a strong inverse correlation between predicted population SARS-CoV-2 peptide binding capacity and

SUBMITTER: Wilson EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7904449 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature