CYBB Gene
Cytochrome B-245 Beta Chain (NOX2/gp91phox) (CYBB) is a gene involved in NADPH oxidase / superoxide production that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CYBB 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 CYBB gene?
CYBB encodes cytochrome b-245 beta chain (nox2/gp91phox), a protein involved in NADPH oxidase / superoxide production. It belongs to the Oxidative Stress category and is part of the Oxidative Stress biological cluster. CYBB encodes NOX2 (gp91phox), the catalytic component of phagocyte NADPH oxidase that produces superoxide for killing pathogens.
Biological role and pathway
CYBB is involved in the NADPH oxidase / superoxide production pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Oxidative Stress 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.
CYBB and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
NOX2-derived superoxide is part of the oxidative burst in macrophages and neutrophils; dysregulated NOX2 activity may contribute to oxidative stress and tissue damage in 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 CYBB gene have been studied in relation to oxidative stress and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
- rs5963409— CYBB variant
Conditions studied in relation to CYBB
Research into CYBB variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CYBB 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 CYBB and related genes in the oxidative stress 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 Oxidative Stress pathway
CYBB 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 CYBB gene and what does it do?
CYBB (Cytochrome B-245 Beta Chain (NOX2/gp91phox)) is involved in NADPH oxidase / superoxide production. CYBB encodes NOX2 (gp91phox), the catalytic component of phagocyte NADPH oxidase that produces superoxide for killing pathogens.
How may CYBB gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
NOX2-derived superoxide is part of the oxidative burst in macrophages and neutrophils; dysregulated NOX2 activity may contribute to oxidative stress and tissue damage in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my CYBB 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 CYBB 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 CYBB. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 34088393
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Blood