CARD9 Gene
Caspase Recruitment Domain Family Member 9 (CARD9) is a gene involved in C-type lectin signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CARD9 may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the CARD9 gene?
CARD9 encodes caspase recruitment domain family member 9, a protein involved in C-type lectin signaling. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. CARD9 is a signaling adaptor that links C-type lectin receptors (Dectin-1, Dectin-2, Mincle) and other pattern recognition pathways to NF-κB activation for antifungal and antibacterial immunity. It also regulates gut microbiome composition.
Biological role and pathway
CARD9 is involved in the C-type lectin signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Innate Immunity & Interferons cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
CARD9 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CARD9 loss-of-function variants predispose to fungal infections. In Long COVID, Aspergillus and other opportunistic infections may complicate recovery, and CARD9 variants affecting innate antifungal immunity may be relevant to post-COVID infections.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the CARD9 gene have been studied in relation to innate immunity and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs4077515— CARD9 variant
- rs10781499— CARD9 variant
Conditions studied in relation to CARD9
Research into CARD9 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CARD9 causes or treats any condition.
Genetic insights from DNA data
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 include CARD9 and related genes in the innate immunity & interferons pathway.
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. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related genes in the Innate Immunity & Interferons pathway
CARD9 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CARD9 gene and what does it do?
CARD9 (Caspase Recruitment Domain Family Member 9) is involved in C-type lectin signaling. CARD9 is a signaling adaptor that links C-type lectin receptors (Dectin-1, Dectin-2, Mincle) and other pattern recognition pathways to NF-κB activation for antifungal and antibacterial immunity. It also regulates gut microbiome composition.
How may CARD9 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CARD9 loss-of-function variants predispose to fungal infections. In Long COVID, Aspergillus and other opportunistic infections may complicate recovery, and CARD9 variants affecting innate antifungal immunity may be relevant to post-COVID infections.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my CARD9 gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your CARD9 genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for CARD9. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 30374160
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Nature Immunology