IL36RN Gene

Interleukin 36 Receptor Antagonist (IL36RN) is a gene involved in IL-36 pathway inhibition that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IL36RN 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 IL36RN gene?

IL36RN encodes interleukin 36 receptor antagonist, a protein involved in IL-36 pathway inhibition. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Cytokines & Immune Signaling biological cluster. IL36RN encodes the IL-36 receptor antagonist, blocking pro-inflammatory IL-36 signaling at skin and mucosal surfaces.

Biological role and pathway

IL36RN is involved in the IL-36 pathway inhibition 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.

IL36RN and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

IL36RN variants may affect skin and mucosal inflammatory responses including dermatitis and mucosal inflammation associated with 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 IL36RN 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 IL36RN

Research into IL36RN variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL36RN 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 IL36RN 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

IL36RN 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 IL36RN gene and what does it do?

IL36RN (Interleukin 36 Receptor Antagonist) is involved in IL-36 pathway inhibition. IL36RN encodes the IL-36 receptor antagonist, blocking pro-inflammatory IL-36 signaling at skin and mucosal surfaces.

How may IL36RN gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

IL36RN variants may affect skin and mucosal inflammatory responses including dermatitis and mucosal inflammation associated with Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my IL36RN 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 IL36RN 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.

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References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for IL36RN. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 34316049
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation