IL22 Gene

What is the IL22 gene?

IL22 encodes interleukin 22, a protein involved in Th17 cytokine signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Gut-Brain Axis biological cluster. IL-22 is a cytokine produced by Th17 cells and ILC3s that signals exclusively in epithelial cells to promote barrier repair, antimicrobial peptide production, and tissue regeneration in the gut, lung, and skin.

Biological role and pathway

IL22 is involved in the Th17 cytokine signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Gut-Brain Axis 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.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the IL22 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.

• rs2227485— IL22 variant
• rs1179251— IL22 variant
• rs5765171— IL22 variant

Conditions studied in relation to IL22

Research into IL22 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL22 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 IL22 and related genes in the gut-brain axis 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 Gut-Brain Axis pathway

IL22 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