CPA3 Gene
Carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) is a gene involved in mast cell degranulation marker that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CPA3 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 CPA3 gene?
CPA3 encodes carboxypeptidase a3, a protein involved in mast cell degranulation marker. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Histamine & MCAS biological cluster. CPA3 encodes carboxypeptidase A3, a mast cell-specific serine protease released upon degranulation that is used as a mast cell biomarker.
Biological role and pathway
CPA3 is involved in the mast cell degranulation marker pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Histamine & MCAS 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.
CPA3 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CPA3 is a specific mast cell degranulation marker; elevated CPA3 levels in some Long COVID patients support mast cell activation syndrome, with CPA3 variants potentially affecting enzyme expression.
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 CPA3 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.
- rs7289261— CPA3 variant
Conditions studied in relation to CPA3
Research into CPA3 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CPA3 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 CPA3 and related genes in the histamine & mcas 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 Histamine & MCAS pathway
CPA3 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 CPA3 gene and what does it do?
CPA3 (Carboxypeptidase A3) is involved in mast cell degranulation marker. CPA3 encodes carboxypeptidase A3, a mast cell-specific serine protease released upon degranulation that is used as a mast cell biomarker.
How may CPA3 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CPA3 is a specific mast cell degranulation marker; elevated CPA3 levels in some Long COVID patients support mast cell activation syndrome, with CPA3 variants potentially affecting enzyme expression.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my CPA3 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.
Related articles
- Long COVID MCAS: Mast Cells, Histamine and Your Genes
Learn how Long COVID MCAS may develop, how it overlaps with POTS and histamine intolerance, and which genes research links to mast cell activity.
Explore your CPA3 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 CPA3. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33398161
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology