IL6 Gene

What is the IL6 gene?

IL6 encodes interleukin 6, a protein involved in cytokine signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. IL6 encodes interleukin-6, a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates immune activation, inflammation, and the acute phase response.

Biological role and pathway

IL6 is involved in the cytokine 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.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the IL6 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.

• rs1800795— IL6 variant

Conditions studied in relation to IL6

Research into IL6 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL6 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 IL6 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

IL6 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