rs6421571
Variant in the CXCR5 gene (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 5)
rs6421571 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CXCR5 gene, involved in B cell follicle homing. Variants at this position have been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the rs6421571 variant?
rs6421571 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the CXCR5 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 5) gene. It belongs to the Adaptive Immunity category and is part of the Adaptive Immunity biological cluster. CXCR5 is the CXCL13-binding chemokine receptor that guides B cells and Tfh cells into germinal centers and B cell follicles. Its expression marks follicular helper T cells and follicular B cells.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the CXCR5 gene, which is involved in the B cell follicle homing pathway. Genes within the Adaptive Immunity 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 — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
rs6421571 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Tfh cells and germinal center reactions are dysregulated in COVID-19, leading to impaired high-affinity antibody generation. CXCR5+ Tfh activity and autoantibody production are relevant to Long COVID autoimmune features; CXCR5 variants affecting follicular homing may modulate this.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: CXCR5
rs6421571 is one of 2 known variants in the CXCR5 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View CXCR5 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs6421571
Research into CXCR5 variants including rs6421571 has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply causation.
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 CXCR5 and the rs6421571 variant.
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.
Other variants in the CXCR5 gene
The following variants in CXCR5 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs6421571 variant in the CXCR5 gene?
rs6421571 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the CXCR5 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 5) gene, which is involved in B cell follicle homing. CXCR5 is the CXCL13-binding chemokine receptor that guides B cells and Tfh cells into germinal centers and B cell follicles. Its expression marks follicular helper T cells and follicular B cells.
How may the rs6421571 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Tfh cells and germinal center reactions are dysregulated in COVID-19, leading to impaired high-affinity antibody generation. CXCR5+ Tfh activity and autoantibody production are relevant to Long COVID autoimmune features; CXCR5 variants affecting follicular homing may modulate this.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs6421571 variant?
Many consumer DNA tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage genotype common SNPs. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Find out if you carry the rs6421571 variant
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 CXCR5 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 27912454
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]Immunity