Grupos sanguíneos ABO e infecções por vírus respiratórios

impacto na suscetibilidade à COVID-19

Abstract

The ABO antigens are oligosaccharides expressed on the surface of erythrocytes and other cell types, where they may act as receptors or coreceptors of many pathogens. ABO blood types have already been associated
with the susceptibility to several bacterial, viral and protozoan infections, amongst others. Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the association between classic ABO blood types and susceptibility to the disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19. In this review, we aimed to discuss the association of the ABO system and respiratory virus infections, with an emphasis on those caused by SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we analyzed scientific studies that obser ved the role of the ABO system in viral infections, and more specifically those related to coronaviruses. So far, the literature data suggest, that carriers of blood type A are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, while type O has been considered as a protective factor. However, the data must be interpreted with caution, as not all studies have been designed with appropriate methodological rigor for this type of analysis. Functional studies are still required to validate such an association and to characterize a possible interaction between anti-A antibodies and viral Spike protein.