Understanding the genetic architecture of host proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2 or mediating the maladaptive host response to COVID-19 can help to identify new or repurpose existing drugs targeting those proteins. We present a genetic discovery study of 179 such host proteins among 10,708 individuals using an aptamer-based technique. We identify 220 host DNA sequence variants acting in cis (MAF 0.01-49.9%) and explaining 0.3-70.9% of the variance of 97 of these proteins, including 45 with no previously known protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) and 38 encoding current drug targets. Systematic characterization of pQTLs across the phenome identified protein-drug-disease links and evidence that putative viral interaction partners such as MARK3 affect immune response. Our results accelerate the evaluation and prioritization of new drug development programmes and repurposing of trials to prevent, treat or reduce adverse outcomes. Rapid sharing and detailed interrogation of results is facilitated through an interactive webserver (https://omicscience.org/apps/covidpgwas/).
Förderungennational "Covid-19 Cardiovascular Disease Flagship Projects" Cambridge Trust 4-year Wellcome Trust PhD Studentship Somalogic University of Cambridge National Institute on Aging (NIA) National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre UCL British Heart Foundation Research Accelerator Award German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health Wellcome Trust UK Medical Research Council Francis Crick Institute from Cancer Research UK Medical Research Council