CCL5 Gene

C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) is a gene involved in immune cell chemotaxis that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CCL5 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 CCL5 gene?

CCL5 encodes c-c motif chemokine ligand 5, a protein involved in immune cell chemotaxis. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. CCL5 (RANTES) recruits T cells, NK cells, monocytes, and eosinophils through CCR1, CCR3, and CCR5. It is stored in platelet alpha-granules and released upon activation, linking coagulation to immune recruitment.

Biological role and pathway

CCL5 is involved in the immune cell chemotaxis pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Immune System & Inflammation 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.

CCL5 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

CCL5 is persistently elevated in Long COVID, and the CCL5-CCR5 axis is a proposed mechanism for ongoing T cell recruitment to inflamed tissues. CCL5 variants (including the 3p-deletion WHIM syndrome allele) affect chemokine availability relevant to immune persistence in Long COVID.

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 CCL5 gene have been studied in relation to immune signaling and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to CCL5

Research into CCL5 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CCL5 causes or treats any condition.

Long CovidImmune DysregulationSystemic InflammationVascular Disease

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 CCL5 and related genes in the immune system & inflammation 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 Immune System & Inflammation pathway

CCL5 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 CCL5 gene and what does it do?

CCL5 (C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5) is involved in immune cell chemotaxis. CCL5 (RANTES) recruits T cells, NK cells, monocytes, and eosinophils through CCR1, CCR3, and CCR5. It is stored in platelet alpha-granules and released upon activation, linking coagulation to immune recruitment.

How may CCL5 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

CCL5 is persistently elevated in Long COVID, and the CCL5-CCR5 axis is a proposed mechanism for ongoing T cell recruitment to inflamed tissues. CCL5 variants (including the 3p-deletion WHIM syndrome allele) affect chemokine availability relevant to immune persistence in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my CCL5 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 CCL5 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for CCL5. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 33727702
  • [2]Cell
  • [3]Nature Immunology