IRAK1 Gene
Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase 1 (IRAK1) is a gene involved in TLR/IL-1R signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in IRAK1 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 IRAK1 gene?
IRAK1 encodes interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase 1, a protein involved in TLR/IL-1R signaling. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Pattern Recognition biological cluster. IRAK1 encodes a serine/threonine kinase that mediates signaling downstream of TLRs and IL-1 receptor, activating NF-kB.
Biological role and pathway
IRAK1 is involved in the TLR/IL-1R signaling pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Innate Immunity & Pattern Recognition 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.
IRAK1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IRAK1 variants may influence the magnitude of innate immune activation following viral infection relevant to Long COVID immune dysregulation.
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 IRAK1 gene have been studied in relation to innate immunity and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs3027898— IRAK1 variant
Conditions studied in relation to IRAK1
Research into IRAK1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that IRAK1 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 IRAK1 and related genes in the innate immunity & pattern recognition 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 Innate Immunity & Pattern Recognition pathway
IRAK1 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 IRAK1 gene and what does it do?
IRAK1 (Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase 1) is involved in TLR/IL-1R signaling. IRAK1 encodes a serine/threonine kinase that mediates signaling downstream of TLRs and IL-1 receptor, activating NF-kB.
How may IRAK1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IRAK1 variants may influence the magnitude of innate immune activation following viral infection relevant to Long COVID immune dysregulation.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my IRAK1 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 IRAK1 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 IRAK1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32972995
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Clinical Investigation