This research project aims to identify genetic variants and biomarkers that affect the chances that someone develops an immune-mediated disease (including ‘long COVID’). Previous genetic studies have already identified many loci and/or mutations that are implicated in disease risk or severity. However, the UK Biobank, by its sheer size and scope, offers additional opportunities for refining our understanding of disease risk, which may lead to new insights on drugs or treatments for disease. Non-genetic factors, such as age, sex and body mass index, are also known to affect disease risk. We also plan to combine genetic insights with these non-genetic risk factors to better predict an individual’s risk profile for immune-mediated disease development or progression. This project will last at least three years, and may help with the development of new drugs or drug targets.
