ICAM1 Gene
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) is a gene involved in leukocyte adhesion that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in ICAM1 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 ICAM1 gene?
ICAM1 encodes intercellular adhesion molecule 1, a protein involved in leukocyte adhesion. It belongs to the Cell Adhesion category and is part of the Coagulation & Vascular biological cluster. ICAM-1 (CD54) is the endothelial adhesion molecule that stabilizes leukocyte attachment by binding LFA-1 (αLβ2) and Mac-1 (αMβ2). It is constitutively expressed and strongly upregulated by inflammatory cytokines.
Biological role and pathway
ICAM1 is involved in the leukocyte adhesion pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Coagulation & Vascular 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.
ICAM1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Soluble ICAM-1 is elevated in Long COVID as a marker of endothelial inflammation. ICAM-1 is also the receptor for rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV (though not SARS-CoV-2). ICAM1 variants affecting endothelial activation threshold may modulate Long COVID vascular inflammation.
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 ICAM1 gene have been studied in relation to cell adhesion and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to ICAM1
Research into ICAM1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that ICAM1 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 ICAM1 and related genes in the coagulation & vascular 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 Coagulation & Vascular pathway
ICAM1 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 ICAM1 gene and what does it do?
ICAM1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) is involved in leukocyte adhesion. ICAM-1 (CD54) is the endothelial adhesion molecule that stabilizes leukocyte attachment by binding LFA-1 (αLβ2) and Mac-1 (αMβ2). It is constitutively expressed and strongly upregulated by inflammatory cytokines.
How may ICAM1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Soluble ICAM-1 is elevated in Long COVID as a marker of endothelial inflammation. ICAM-1 is also the receptor for rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV (though not SARS-CoV-2). ICAM1 variants affecting endothelial activation threshold may modulate Long COVID vascular inflammation.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my ICAM1 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 ICAM1 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 ICAM1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 31043580
- [2]Nature Reviews Immunology
- [3]Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology