Analysis of KIR and HLA Polymorphism in Chinese Individuals With COVID‐19

Killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) interactions with HLA class I have crucial roles in modulating NK cell function in response to viral infections. To explore the correlation between KIR/HLA and susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, we analysed polymorphism of KIR genes, haplotypes, HLA allotypes, and the interplay between KIR and HLA in individuals diagnosed with COVID‐19. Compared to a population control group, we observed a significantly increased frequency of KIR3DL3*00802 in the COVID‐19 group. When encoded by the HLA‐B gene, the frequency of HLA‐Bw4, a ligand for KIR3DL1, was at lower frequency in the COVID‐19 group. Additionally, significantly elevated frequencies of KIR‐Bx3 , KIR3DL3*00301 , 3DL3*048 , and C1 + HLA‐C were identified in the COVID‐19 group before multiple test correction, suggesting associations with susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our findings indicate that the KIR3DL3*00802 allele may be a high‐risk factor for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, while Bw4 encoded by HLA‐B gene may confer protective effects against the infection.