Genetic Variant Tied to Autoimmune Disease Raises COVID-19 Risk

New research has identified a genetic variant in the PTPN2 gene, commonly associated with autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that may elevate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This variant causes increased expression of the ACE2 receptor—the primary entry point for the coronavirus—making cells more susceptible to viral invasion.

Normally, PTPN2 regulates protein activity to control inflammation, but the variant disrupts this process, leading to heightened inflammatory signaling and upregulation of ACE2 receptors. The study also highlights the potential of Tofacitinib, an ulcerative colitis treatment, to lower ACE2 expression and reduce COVID-19 infection risk.

Future clinical trials could explore the use of Tofacitinib and similar drugs for preventing or managing SARS-CoV-2 infections in at-risk populations.

Citation:

Spalinger. M. R., et al. (2025). Tofacitinib Mitigates the Increased SARS-CoV-2 Infection Susceptibility Caused by an IBD Risk Variant in the PTPN2 Gene. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol, 101447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.101447