Abstract: Host genetic variation has been recognized as a key predictor of diverse clinical sequelae
among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients. Insights into
the link between the Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) genetic variation
and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are crucial for developing new predictors and thera-
peutic targets. We aimed to investigate the association of IL-6R rs12083537, IL-1β rs16944, and IL-1β
rs1143634 SNPs with the severity of COVID-19. Our study was conducted on 300 COVID-19-negative
individuals (control group) and 299 COVID-19-positive cases, classified into mild, moderate, and se-
vere subgroups. Analyses of IL-1β (rs16944, rs1143634) and IL-6R (rs12083537) SNPs’ genotypes were
performed using qPCR genotyping assays. The IL-1β (rs16944) CC genotype and IL-6R (rs12083537)
GG genotype were substantially related to COVID-19 severity, which was also associated with comor-
bidities and some laboratory parameters (p < 0.001). The IL-1β (rs1143634) TT genotype was found to
be protective. Likewise, the IL-1β (rs16944) CC genotype was associated with increased mortality.
IL-1β rs16944 and IL-6R rs12083537 SNPs are promising potential predictors of SARS-CoV-2 disease
severity. Meanwhile, the rs1143634 SNP T allele was protective against severity and mortality risk |
