Genetic Variant Associated with Increased Long COVID Risk

An international research collaboration has unveiled a genetic link to long-term symptoms following COVID-19 infection, often referred to as long COVID. This discovery centers around a specific gene variant located near the FOXP4 gene, which is implicated in lung function. The study, which has been published in the journal Nature Genetics, is spearheaded by experts from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Institute for Molecular Medicine in Finland.

Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms that can significantly impair quality of life, including fatigue, cognitive challenges, and respiratory issues. Despite the growing recognition of this condition, the biological mechanisms underlying it remain largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, researchers from the Long COVID Host Genetics Initiative conducted a comprehensive analysis of genetic data from 6,450 individuals suffering from long COVID and over one million control subjects across 24 studies spanning 16 countries.

The study identified a genetic variant that increases the likelihood of developing long COVID symptoms by approximately 60%. This association was further validated through an independent analysis that incorporated an additional 9,500 cases, reinforcing the robustness of the findings.

Notably, the gene variant in question is situated adjacent to FOXP4, a gene that plays a crucial role in lung development and associated diseases. The lead researcher emphasized that compromised lung function may be a significant factor contributing to the onset of long COVID. However, it is important to understand that this genetic variant is just one component within a more complex framework of risk factors.

Genetic research offers valuable insights into potential disease risk factors, especially for conditions where the exact causes remain elusive. The collaborative effort underscores the importance of genetic studies in unraveling the complexities of long COVID, which could pave the way for targeted interventions and improved patient care.

For further details, please refer to the original study: Vilma Lammi et al, Genome-wide association study of long COVID, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02100-w.