IL6ST Gene
Interleukin 6 Signal Transducer (gp130) (IL6ST) is a gene involved in IL-6 / gp130 / JAK-STAT3 signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IL6ST 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 IL6ST gene?
IL6ST encodes interleukin 6 signal transducer (gp130), a protein involved in IL-6 / gp130 / JAK-STAT3 signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. IL6ST encodes gp130, the signal-transducing receptor subunit shared by IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, and other cytokines.
Biological role and pathway
IL6ST is involved in the IL-6 / gp130 / JAK-STAT3 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.
IL6ST and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
gp130 is the shared signal transducer for multiple inflammatory cytokines elevated in Long COVID; variants may modulate the magnitude of JAK-STAT3 inflammatory signaling.
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 IL6ST 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 IL6ST
Research into IL6ST variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IL6ST 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 IL6ST 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
IL6ST 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 IL6ST gene and what does it do?
IL6ST (Interleukin 6 Signal Transducer (gp130)) is involved in IL-6 / gp130 / JAK-STAT3 signaling. IL6ST encodes gp130, the signal-transducing receptor subunit shared by IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, and other cytokines.
How may IL6ST gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
gp130 is the shared signal transducer for multiple inflammatory cytokines elevated in Long COVID; variants may modulate the magnitude of JAK-STAT3 inflammatory signaling.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my IL6ST 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 IL6ST 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 IL6ST. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 29749073
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation