Covid 19 has had drastic effects on people’s health all across the world. The disease, as we’re aware, has put those with respiratory and immune-deficiency disorders at higher risk. Medical research is making slow but steady progress towards finding a cure, but in the meantime, safeguarding ourselves and ensuring better immunity for ourselves and our loved ones is key.

Our immunity functions on the basis of two lines of defense. The first response is guided by the innate immune system, in the form of physical, chemical, and cellular defenses against pathogens. The second defense mechanism, more long-drawn than the first, is deployed by the adaptive immune system against nonself pathogens. Research has proven that these complex adaptive responses are heavily influenced by our genetic variations, i.e. our parental genes along with the ones that are unique to us.

These genes determine either an intense or a weak immune response when confronted with a viral infection. Some may even cause genetic variations linked to autoimmune diseases including ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. This is where genetic testing can play a significant role in enhancing the immunity of individuals grappling with these disorders.

There are multiple benefits of genetic testing. Over the last few years, it has had vast practical applications in immunology research and clinical treatments. There is a tonne of potential for us to explore in terms of cell-based therapies for microbial infections, immune deficiencies, and other autoimmune diseases. This not only enables stronger adaptive immunity but greatly improves the individual’s quality of life as well!