Re: “The Association of Programmed Death 1 Gene Polymorphisms of PD1.3 G/A and PD1.5 C/T with Risk of COVID-19 in an Iranian Population: A Case–Control Study” by Rayati Damavandi et al .

Dear Editor,

We would like to comment on “The Association of Programmed Death 1 Gene Polymorphisms of PD1.3 G/A and PD1.5 C/T with Risk of COVID-19 in an Iranian Population: A Case-Control Study” (Rayati Damavandi et al, 2022). The programmed death (PD)1.3 and PD1.5 SNPs were not linked with the illness outcome, according to Rayati Damavandi et al (2022). Rayati Damavandi et al (2022) claimed that in the Iranian population, the PD1.5 CT genotype and AT haplotype of programmed cell death indecisively contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility.

We agree that the investigated genetic variation could be linked to COVID-19 vulnerability. However, other factors including preventative behavior, COVID-19 immunization, and the circulating SARS CoV2 variant also influence susceptibility. Those elements must be acknowledged. In addition, various genetic factors are reported for relation with risk when just genetic factors are considered. Polymorphisms in the TNFA, IL1RN, IL6R, and IL6 genes are examples of these genetic polymorphisms (Rokni et al, 2022). If more research is planned, the effects of those confounding variables should be evaluated.