TSLP Gene

Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a gene involved in alarmin signaling that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in TSLP 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 TSLP gene?

TSLP encodes thymic stromal lymphopoietin, a protein involved in alarmin signaling. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. TSLP is an epithelial-derived alarmin cytokine that activates dendritic cells, mast cells, and ILC2s to promote Th2 immune responses and atopic disease. It is produced in response to barrier damage and sensed by TSLPR (IL7R/CRLF2 complex).

Biological role and pathway

TSLP is involved in the alarmin 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.

TSLP and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

TSLP contributes to airway hyper-responsiveness and atopic inflammation. In Long COVID, persistent airway inflammation and cough may involve TSLP-driven ILC2 activation. TSLP variants affecting basal epithelial alarmin production may predispose to respiratory 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 TSLP 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 TSLP

Research into TSLP variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that TSLP causes or treats any condition.

Long CovidRespiratoryAsthmaType2 Immunity

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 TSLP 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

TSLP 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 TSLP gene and what does it do?

TSLP (Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin) is involved in alarmin signaling. TSLP is an epithelial-derived alarmin cytokine that activates dendritic cells, mast cells, and ILC2s to promote Th2 immune responses and atopic disease. It is produced in response to barrier damage and sensed by TSLPR (IL7R/CRLF2 complex).

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

TSLP contributes to airway hyper-responsiveness and atopic inflammation. In Long COVID, persistent airway inflammation and cough may involve TSLP-driven ILC2 activation. TSLP variants affecting basal epithelial alarmin production may predispose to respiratory Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my TSLP 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 TSLP 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 TSLP. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 30643716
  • [2]New England Journal of Medicine
  • [3]Nature Immunology