MPO Gene
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a gene involved in oxidative burst that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in MPO 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 MPO gene?
MPO encodes myeloperoxidase, a protein involved in oxidative burst. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. MPO is a heme enzyme in neutrophil granules that generates hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and other oxidants during the respiratory burst, contributing to antimicrobial defense and NET formation.
Biological role and pathway
MPO is involved in the oxidative burst pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Innate Immunity & Interferons 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.
MPO and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
MPO-DNA complexes are elevated in Long COVID blood, serving as biomarkers of ongoing NET formation. MPO variants affecting enzymatic activity may influence the degree of oxidative tissue damage and NETosis in post-COVID vascular disease.
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 MPO 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.
- rs2333227— MPO variant
- rs7208693— MPO variant
- rs11079344— MPO variant
Conditions studied in relation to MPO
Research into MPO variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that MPO 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 MPO and related genes in the innate immunity & interferons 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 & Interferons pathway
MPO 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 MPO gene and what does it do?
MPO (Myeloperoxidase) is involved in oxidative burst. MPO is a heme enzyme in neutrophil granules that generates hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and other oxidants during the respiratory burst, contributing to antimicrobial defense and NET formation.
How may MPO gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
MPO-DNA complexes are elevated in Long COVID blood, serving as biomarkers of ongoing NET formation. MPO variants affecting enzymatic activity may influence the degree of oxidative tissue damage and NETosis in post-COVID vascular disease.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my MPO 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 MPO 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 MPO. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32926228
- [2]Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
- [3]Redox Biology