OASL Gene

2'-5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase Like (OASL) is a gene involved in antiviral response that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in OASL 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 OASL gene?

OASL encodes 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase like, a protein involved in antiviral response. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. OASL is an interferon-stimulated gene and pseudoenzyme that lacks OAS catalytic activity but potentiates RIG-I signaling. It enhances antiviral innate immunity against RNA viruses.

Biological role and pathway

OASL is involved in the antiviral response 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.

OASL and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

OASL expression is elevated in severe COVID-19 as part of the interferon response. As a component of the antiviral ISG landscape, OASL variants may influence the magnitude of interferon-stimulated antiviral defenses relevant to SARS-CoV-2 control and 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 OASL 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.

Conditions studied in relation to OASL

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

OASL 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 OASL gene and what does it do?

OASL (2'-5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase Like) is involved in antiviral response. OASL is an interferon-stimulated gene and pseudoenzyme that lacks OAS catalytic activity but potentiates RIG-I signaling. It enhances antiviral innate immunity against RNA viruses.

How may OASL gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

OASL expression is elevated in severe COVID-19 as part of the interferon response. As a component of the antiviral ISG landscape, OASL variants may influence the magnitude of interferon-stimulated antiviral defenses relevant to SARS-CoV-2 control and Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my OASL 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 OASL 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for OASL. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 25092902
  • [2]Nature Immunology
  • [3]PNAS