FCGR3A Gene

Fc Gamma Receptor IIIa (CD16a) (FCGR3A) is a gene involved in NK cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in FCGR3A 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 FCGR3A gene?

FCGR3A encodes fc gamma receptor iiia (cd16a), a protein involved in NK cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. FCGR3A encodes FcγRIIIa (CD16a), an activating IgG receptor on NK cells and macrophages mediating ADCC (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity).

Biological role and pathway

FCGR3A is involved in the NK cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity 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.

FCGR3A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

FCGR3A V158F variant affects IgG1/IgG3 binding and NK cell ADCC efficiency; variants may influence NK cell-mediated killing of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and the ADCC response 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 FCGR3A 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 FCGR3A

Research into FCGR3A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that FCGR3A 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 FCGR3A 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

FCGR3A 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 FCGR3A gene and what does it do?

FCGR3A (Fc Gamma Receptor IIIa (CD16a)) is involved in NK cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. FCGR3A encodes FcγRIIIa (CD16a), an activating IgG receptor on NK cells and macrophages mediating ADCC (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity).

How may FCGR3A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

FCGR3A V158F variant affects IgG1/IgG3 binding and NK cell ADCC efficiency; variants may influence NK cell-mediated killing of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and the ADCC response in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my FCGR3A 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 FCGR3A 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 FCGR3A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32558485
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Immunology