IL2RA Gene
Interleukin 2 Receptor Subunit Alpha (CD25) (IL2RA) is a gene involved in T cell proliferation / Treg function that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IL2RA 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 IL2RA gene?
IL2RA encodes interleukin 2 receptor subunit alpha (cd25), a protein involved in T cell proliferation / Treg function. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. IL2RA encodes CD25, the high-affinity IL-2 receptor alpha subunit critical for T cell proliferation and Treg survival.
Biological role and pathway
IL2RA is involved in the T cell proliferation / Treg function 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.
IL2RA and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CD25 is essential for Treg homeostasis and IL-2-driven T cell expansion; IL2RA variants are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases and may affect immune tolerance 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 IL2RA 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.
- rs2104286— IL2RA variant
- rs11240594— IL2RA variant
Conditions studied in relation to IL2RA
Research into IL2RA variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL2RA 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 IL2RA 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
IL2RA 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 IL2RA gene and what does it do?
IL2RA (Interleukin 2 Receptor Subunit Alpha (CD25)) is involved in T cell proliferation / Treg function. IL2RA encodes CD25, the high-affinity IL-2 receptor alpha subunit critical for T cell proliferation and Treg survival.
How may IL2RA gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CD25 is essential for Treg homeostasis and IL-2-driven T cell expansion; IL2RA variants are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases and may affect immune tolerance in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my IL2RA 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 IL2RA 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 IL2RA. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]NEJM