rs13151961
Variant in the IL21 gene (Interleukin 21)
rs13151961 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IL21 gene, involved in B and T cell help. 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 rs13151961 variant?
rs13151961 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the IL21 (Interleukin 21) gene. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Adaptive Immunity biological cluster. IL-21 is produced by Tfh and CD4+ T cells to drive B cell differentiation, germinal center reactions, NK cell function, and CD8+ T cell memory formation. It has pleiotropic effects on both innate and adaptive immunity.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the IL21 gene, which is involved in the B and T cell help 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.
rs13151961 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IL-21 drives germinal center B cell responses and autoantibody production. Elevated IL-21 from dysregulated Tfh cells may contribute to the autoantibody repertoire in Long COVID. IL21 variants affecting B cell helper function may modulate autoantibody-driven Long COVID manifestations.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: IL21
rs13151961 is one of 3 known variants in the IL21 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View IL21 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs13151961
Research into IL21 variants including rs13151961 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 IL21 and the rs13151961 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 IL21 gene
The following variants in IL21 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs13151961 variant in the IL21 gene?
rs13151961 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the IL21 (Interleukin 21) gene, which is involved in B and T cell help. IL-21 is produced by Tfh and CD4+ T cells to drive B cell differentiation, germinal center reactions, NK cell function, and CD8+ T cell memory formation. It has pleiotropic effects on both innate and adaptive immunity.
How may the rs13151961 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IL-21 drives germinal center B cell responses and autoantibody production. Elevated IL-21 from dysregulated Tfh cells may contribute to the autoantibody repertoire in Long COVID. IL21 variants affecting B cell helper function may modulate autoantibody-driven Long COVID manifestations.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs13151961 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 rs13151961 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 IL21 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 28107429
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]Journal of Experimental Medicine