Study: Genetic mutation inherited from Neanderthals could help protect against severe COVID cases | TheHill - The Hill
The Neanderthal DNA believed to protect against illness was found on the 12th chromosome, while the DNA discovered in a previous study that researchers theorized increased the chances of severe illness was found on the third chromosome.The study suggested that the Neanderthal DNA that protects against severe illness may have occurred due to past epidemics that were caused by RNA viruses, a category that includes the coronavirus.