rs1494558
Variant in the IL7 gene (Interleukin 7)
rs1494558 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IL7 gene, involved in lymphocyte homeostasis / thymic output. 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 rs1494558 variant?
rs1494558 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the IL7 (Interleukin 7) gene. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. IL7 encodes interleukin-7, a cytokine essential for T cell and B cell development and homeostatic proliferation of naive T cells.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the IL7 gene, which is involved in the lymphocyte homeostasis / thymic output pathway. 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 — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
rs1494558 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IL-7 drives homeostatic T cell expansion and thymic regeneration; elevated IL-7 in Long COVID patients reflects lymphopenia-driven homeostatic signals and the attempt to reconstitute depleted T cell populations.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: IL7
rs1494558 is one of 2 known variants in the IL7 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View IL7 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs1494558
Research into IL7 variants including rs1494558 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 IL7 and the rs1494558 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 IL7 gene
The following variants in IL7 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs1494558 variant in the IL7 gene?
rs1494558 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the IL7 (Interleukin 7) gene, which is involved in lymphocyte homeostasis / thymic output. IL7 encodes interleukin-7, a cytokine essential for T cell and B cell development and homeostatic proliferation of naive T cells.
How may the rs1494558 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IL-7 drives homeostatic T cell expansion and thymic regeneration; elevated IL-7 in Long COVID patients reflects lymphopenia-driven homeostatic signals and the attempt to reconstitute depleted T cell populations.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs1494558 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 rs1494558 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 IL7 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32296168
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]Journal of Experimental Medicine