rs1179251
Variant in the IL22 gene (Interleukin 22)
rs1179251 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IL22 gene, involved in Th17 cytokine signaling. 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 rs1179251 variant?
rs1179251 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the IL22 (Interleukin 22) gene. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Gut-Brain Axis biological cluster. IL-22 is a cytokine produced by Th17 cells and ILC3s that signals exclusively in epithelial cells to promote barrier repair, antimicrobial peptide production, and tissue regeneration in the gut, lung, and skin.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the IL22 gene, which is involved in the Th17 cytokine signaling pathway. Genes within the Gut-Brain Axis 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.
rs1179251 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IL-22 is critical for respiratory epithelial repair after viral infection. Variants affecting IL-22 production or signaling may impair lung tissue repair following COVID-19, contributing to the persistent respiratory symptoms of Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: IL22
rs1179251 is one of 3 known variants in the IL22 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View IL22 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs1179251
Research into IL22 variants including rs1179251 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 IL22 and the rs1179251 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 IL22 gene
The following variants in IL22 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs1179251 variant in the IL22 gene?
rs1179251 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the IL22 (Interleukin 22) gene, which is involved in Th17 cytokine signaling. IL-22 is a cytokine produced by Th17 cells and ILC3s that signals exclusively in epithelial cells to promote barrier repair, antimicrobial peptide production, and tissue regeneration in the gut, lung, and skin.
How may the rs1179251 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IL-22 is critical for respiratory epithelial repair after viral infection. Variants affecting IL-22 production or signaling may impair lung tissue repair following COVID-19, contributing to the persistent respiratory symptoms of Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs1179251 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 rs1179251 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 IL22 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 27707611
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]Cell Reports