IL23R Gene

Interleukin 23 Receptor (IL23R) is a gene involved in Th17 signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IL23R 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 IL23R gene?

IL23R encodes interleukin 23 receptor, a protein involved in Th17 signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. IL-23R forms part of the IL-23 receptor complex with IL-12Rβ1, mediating IL-23-driven Th17 cell maintenance and IL-17 production. It is a major susceptibility locus for inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Biological role and pathway

IL23R is involved in the Th17 signaling 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.

IL23R and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

IL23R variants are strongly associated with multiple inflammatory diseases sharing features with Long COVID. The protective R381Q (rs11209026) variant strongly reduces Th17 responses and is protective against inflammatory disease, potentially relevant to Long COVID inflammatory severity.

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 IL23R 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 IL23R

Research into IL23R variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL23R 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 IL23R 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

IL23R 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 IL23R gene and what does it do?

IL23R (Interleukin 23 Receptor) is involved in Th17 signaling. IL-23R forms part of the IL-23 receptor complex with IL-12Rβ1, mediating IL-23-driven Th17 cell maintenance and IL-17 production. It is a major susceptibility locus for inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

How may IL23R gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

IL23R variants are strongly associated with multiple inflammatory diseases sharing features with Long COVID. The protective R381Q (rs11209026) variant strongly reduces Th17 responses and is protective against inflammatory disease, potentially relevant to Long COVID inflammatory severity.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my IL23R 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 IL23R 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 IL23R. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 31866730
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]New England Journal of Medicine