DDX60 Gene
DExD/H-Box Helicase 60 (DDX60) is a gene involved in antiviral response that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in DDX60 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 DDX60 gene?
DDX60 encodes dexd/h-box helicase 60, a protein involved in antiviral response. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. DDX60 is an ISG and RNA helicase that facilitates RIG-I and MDA5 antiviral signaling by binding viral RNA. It is induced by interferons and enhances innate immune detection of RNA viruses.
Biological role and pathway
DDX60 is involved in the antiviral response 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.
DDX60 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
DDX60 is among the most highly induced genes in severe COVID-19 transcriptomes. Its amplification of RIG-I/MDA5 antiviral signaling means variants affecting DDX60 may influence the efficiency and duration of interferon responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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 DDX60 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.
- rs17846069— DDX60 variant
- rs6047772— DDX60 variant
Conditions studied in relation to DDX60
Research into DDX60 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that DDX60 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 DDX60 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
DDX60 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 DDX60 gene and what does it do?
DDX60 (DExD/H-Box Helicase 60) is involved in antiviral response. DDX60 is an ISG and RNA helicase that facilitates RIG-I and MDA5 antiviral signaling by binding viral RNA. It is induced by interferons and enhances innate immune detection of RNA viruses.
How may DDX60 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
DDX60 is among the most highly induced genes in severe COVID-19 transcriptomes. Its amplification of RIG-I/MDA5 antiviral signaling means variants affecting DDX60 may influence the efficiency and duration of interferon responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my DDX60 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 DDX60 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 DDX60. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 25415050
- [2]Immunity
- [3]Journal of Virology