Trine Mogensen says: “During the COVID-19 pandemic stunning inter-individual variability, ranging from asymptomatic infection to lethal COVID-19, has been observed. We hypothesize that life-threatening COVID-19 in individuals without co-morbidities can be caused by rare defects in genes with essential roles in antiviral immune responses to SARS-CoV2. To test this hypothesis, our project includes the following aims: 1) recruitment of patients with severe COVID-19 within an international covid human genetic consortium 2) genetic analysis to search for disease-causing gene variants and 3) functional studies to characterize immune responses in patient cells, 4) clinical translation of this knowledge to develop genetic tests and plasma assays to identify healthy individuals and patients at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. Thereby we will gain a better understanding of disease mechanisms to ensure implementation of prophylactic measures or intensified treatment modalities to prevent severe COVID-19.”