IFNAR1 Gene
Interferon Alpha and Beta Receptor Subunit 1 (IFNAR1) is a gene involved in type I interferon receptor signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IFNAR1 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 IFNAR1 gene?
IFNAR1 encodes interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1, a protein involved in type I interferon receptor signaling. It belongs to the Viral Defense category and is part of the Viral Defense & Interferon Response biological cluster. IFNAR1 encodes the alpha subunit of the type I interferon receptor complex, essential for signaling by all type I interferons.
Biological role and pathway
IFNAR1 is involved in the type I interferon receptor signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Viral Defense & Interferon Response 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.
IFNAR1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IFNAR1 variants affecting type I interferon signaling may influence antiviral immune responses and persistent interferon activation 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 IFNAR1 gene have been studied in relation to viral defense and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs2257167— IFNAR1 variant
- rs17875752— IFNAR1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to IFNAR1
Research into IFNAR1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IFNAR1 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 IFNAR1 and related genes in the viral defense & interferon response 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 Viral Defense & Interferon Response pathway
IFNAR1 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 IFNAR1 gene and what does it do?
IFNAR1 (Interferon Alpha and Beta Receptor Subunit 1) is involved in type I interferon receptor signaling. IFNAR1 encodes the alpha subunit of the type I interferon receptor complex, essential for signaling by all type I interferons.
How may IFNAR1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IFNAR1 variants affecting type I interferon signaling may influence antiviral immune responses and persistent interferon activation in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my IFNAR1 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 IFNAR1 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 IFNAR1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33888513
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation