03-10-2023, 09:41 AM
Interesting theory concerning Covid resistance: Genes That Helped Us Survive Black Death Continue to Influence Our Mortality Today, ScienceAlert.com
Apparently, having identical copies of the ERAP2 gene makes it 40-50% more likely to survive the Black Death or other respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, a phenomenon called ‘balancing selection’ suggests that that pair of identical genes also makes it more likely that the person will suffer from Crohn’s disease and diabetes type 1.
That’s worth remembering for those who like to extrapolate from their own experiences. The fact that person A avoids Covid or finds it was nothing to worry about after being infected doesn’t suggest the Covid response was overblown, especially if the vaccine made a contribution. Genetic differences can help or hurt. And unfortunately what you gain on the roundabout you might lose on the swings.
Apparently, having identical copies of the ERAP2 gene makes it 40-50% more likely to survive the Black Death or other respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, a phenomenon called ‘balancing selection’ suggests that that pair of identical genes also makes it more likely that the person will suffer from Crohn’s disease and diabetes type 1.
That’s worth remembering for those who like to extrapolate from their own experiences. The fact that person A avoids Covid or finds it was nothing to worry about after being infected doesn’t suggest the Covid response was overblown, especially if the vaccine made a contribution. Genetic differences can help or hurt. And unfortunately what you gain on the roundabout you might lose on the swings.