BackgroundThe emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had immense global consequences, leading to widespread illness, deaths, and devastated economies. Despite this, Africa has experienced a high prevalence of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mild cases.
While reported cases and deaths have been lower, limited testing and undiagnosed infections make it difficult to determine the true burden of the disease. Understanding the unique immune response and the variations in genetics affect COVID-19 outcomes in African populations is important for shaping future public health responses.
This review examines key immune factors and genetic variations in key host proteins that may help explain why COVID-19 was less severe in Africa.MethodologyA systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to identify studies published between 2019 and January 2026 that investigated immunological responses and genetic variations associated with COVID-19 in African populations. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and African Journals Online (AJOL).
Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting responses from cytokines, T-cells, antibodies or host genetic factors.
Frontiers in Immunology published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 01 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Reduced COVID-19 severity in Africa: a systematic review of host genetic and immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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