A recent study found that people with certain blood types may be more susceptible to a COVID-19 infection. Researchers found the SARS-CoV-2 RBD had a strong preference for binding to blood group A found on respiratory cells, but had no preference for blood group A red blood cells, or other blood groups found on respiratory or red cells.
The SARS-CoV-2 RBD's ability to recognize and attach to the blood type A antigen found in the lungs of people with blood type A may provide insight into the potential link between blood type A and COVID-19 infection, according to the authors of the study.
"Blood type is a challenge because it is inherited and not something we can change," said study author Dr. Sean Stowell, from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "But if we can better understand how the virus interacts with blood groups in people, we may be able to find new medicines or methods of prevention."
SOURCE: Drugs.com March 3, 2021