DDX58 Gene
DExD/H-Box Helicase 58 (DDX58) is a gene involved in RLR signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in DDX58 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 DDX58 gene?
DDX58 encodes dexd/h-box helicase 58, a protein involved in RLR signaling. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. DDX58 (RIG-I) is a cytoplasmic RNA helicase that senses short double-stranded and 5'-triphosphate single-stranded RNA as an early pattern recognition receptor for RNA viruses, signaling through MAVS to activate interferon production.
Biological role and pathway
DDX58 is involved in the RLR 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.
DDX58 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
RIG-I is among the first sensors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. DDX58 polymorphisms may affect the speed and magnitude of initial innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, influencing both acute COVID-19 severity and Long COVID predisposition.
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 DDX58 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 DDX58
Research into DDX58 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that DDX58 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 DDX58 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
DDX58 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 DDX58 gene and what does it do?
DDX58 (DExD/H-Box Helicase 58) is involved in RLR signaling. DDX58 (RIG-I) is a cytoplasmic RNA helicase that senses short double-stranded and 5'-triphosphate single-stranded RNA as an early pattern recognition receptor for RNA viruses, signaling through MAVS to activate interferon production.
How may DDX58 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
RIG-I is among the first sensors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. DDX58 polymorphisms may affect the speed and magnitude of initial innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, influencing both acute COVID-19 severity and Long COVID predisposition.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my DDX58 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 DDX58 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 DDX58. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33794154
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]Cell