Genetics of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a persistent, low-grade inflammatory state linked to numerous conditions including Long COVID, ME/CFS, autoimmunity, and cardiovascular disease. Genetic variants in cytokine and immune signalling genes may influence individual inflammatory responses.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is Chronic Inflammation?
Unlike acute inflammation, which resolves after injury or infection, chronic inflammation persists over months or years and can drive tissue damage, immune dysregulation, and systemic illness. Key biological players include pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta, as well as transcription factors like NF-kB. Genetic variation in these pathways may influence how strongly and persistently an individual mounts inflammatory responses, with implications for Long COVID, ME/CFS, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic disease.
Biological pathways commonly discussed in relation to Chronic Inflammation
Research into Chronic Systemic Inflammation has highlighted several biological pathways that may be relevant. Genetic variants within these pathways may influence individual susceptibility, symptom severity, or the trajectory of the condition.
Cytokine Signalling
Cytokines are chemical messengers that coordinate immune responses. Genetic variants in cytokine genes such as IL6, TNF, and IL1B may influence how strongly the body produces inflammatory signals.
Nf Kb Pathway
NF-kB is a master transcription factor regulating hundreds of inflammatory genes. Variants affecting NF-kB activation may contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked. Impaired antioxidant capacity can amplify inflammatory signalling, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of tissue damage.
Immune Activation
Persistent immune activation without adequate resolution mechanisms is a hallmark of chronic inflammation and may reflect genetic predisposition in innate and adaptive immunity genes.
Key genes studied in relation to Chronic Inflammation
The following genes have been studied in relation to Chronic Systemic Inflammation. These genes span the biological pathways most commonly discussed in this area of research.
118 genes total studied in relation to Chronic Inflammation across the ChronicDNA dataset.
Genetic variants commonly discussed
The following genetic variants (SNPs) are found in genes that have been studied in relation to Chronic Inflammation. Each variant represents a position in the genome where individuals may carry different alleles.
232 variants total across genes studied in relation to Chronic Inflammation.
How personal DNA data may provide educational insights
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may relate to areas such as Chronic Inflammation.
This is not a diagnostic service. Genetic variants do not determine whether you have Chronic Inflammation, nor do they predict your clinical outcomes. The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related conditions and pathways
Chronic Inflammation shares biological pathways and genetic associations with the following related conditions and areas of research.
Frequently asked questions
What is the genetic basis of chronic inflammation?
Genetic variants in cytokine genes (IL6, TNF, IL1B), transcription factors (NF-kB pathway), and antioxidant defence genes may influence how strongly and persistently the body mounts inflammatory responses. These are areas of active research, not deterministic predictors.
How may inflammation genetics relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Chronic systemic inflammation is a commonly reported feature of both Long COVID and ME/CFS. Genetic predisposition to stronger or less well-regulated inflammatory responses may influence symptom severity and persistence in these conditions.
Which genes are most studied in relation to inflammation?
Commonly studied inflammation-related genes include IL6, TNF, IL1B, CRP, NFkB regulators, and antioxidant genes such as SOD2 and NQO1. These are involved in producing, amplifying, and resolving inflammatory signals.
Can consumer DNA data show inflammation-related variants?
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage include SNP data covering many inflammation-related gene variants. ChronicDNA analyses these for educational insights — this is not a diagnostic or medical service.
Explore DNA insights
If you already have DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage, upload your raw file to ChronicDNA and receive a personalised educational report covering genes studied in relation to Chronic Inflammation and connected biological pathways.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
118 genes · 232 variants analysed in relation to Chronic Inflammation