CLEC7A Gene

C-Type Lectin Domain Family 7 Member A (CLEC7A) is a gene involved in C-type lectin signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CLEC7A 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 CLEC7A gene?

CLEC7A encodes c-type lectin domain family 7 member a, 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. CLEC7A (Dectin-1) is the major pattern recognition receptor for beta-glucan in fungal cell walls. It signals through CARD9 to drive Th1/Th17 responses and is also involved in recognizing ligands on cancer cells and dead cells.

Biological role and pathway

CLEC7A 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.

CLEC7A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Dectin-1 rs16910526 (Y238X stop codon) causes Dectin-1 deficiency, predisposing to mucosal candidiasis. Aspergillus colonization complicates critical COVID-19, and CLEC7A variants may influence the fungal component of post-COVID immune challenges.

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 CLEC7A 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.

Conditions studied in relation to CLEC7A

Research into CLEC7A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CLEC7A 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 CLEC7A 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

CLEC7A 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 CLEC7A gene and what does it do?

CLEC7A (C-Type Lectin Domain Family 7 Member A) is involved in C-type lectin signaling. CLEC7A (Dectin-1) is the major pattern recognition receptor for beta-glucan in fungal cell walls. It signals through CARD9 to drive Th1/Th17 responses and is also involved in recognizing ligands on cancer cells and dead cells.

How may CLEC7A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Dectin-1 rs16910526 (Y238X stop codon) causes Dectin-1 deficiency, predisposing to mucosal candidiasis. Aspergillus colonization complicates critical COVID-19, and CLEC7A variants may influence the fungal component of post-COVID immune challenges.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my CLEC7A 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 CLEC7A 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 CLEC7A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 26829758
  • [2]Nature Immunology
  • [3]New England Journal of Medicine