IL23A Gene
Interleukin 23 Subunit Alpha (IL23A) is a gene involved in Th17 immune response that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IL23A 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 IL23A gene?
IL23A encodes interleukin 23 subunit alpha, a protein involved in Th17 immune response. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Cytokines & Immune Signaling biological cluster. IL23A encodes the p19 subunit of IL-23, which drives Th17 cell maintenance and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Biological role and pathway
IL23A is involved in the Th17 immune response pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Cytokines & Immune Signaling 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.
IL23A and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IL23-driven Th17 activation has been associated with autoimmune complications and mucosal inflammation 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 IL23A 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.
- rs2066808— IL23A variant
Conditions studied in relation to IL23A
Research into IL23A variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL23A 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 IL23A and related genes in the cytokines & immune signaling 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 Cytokines & Immune Signaling pathway
IL23A 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 IL23A gene and what does it do?
IL23A (Interleukin 23 Subunit Alpha) is involved in Th17 immune response. IL23A encodes the p19 subunit of IL-23, which drives Th17 cell maintenance and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
How may IL23A gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IL23-driven Th17 activation has been associated with autoimmune complications and mucosal inflammation in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my IL23A 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 IL23A 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 IL23A. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34316049
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation