rs872071

Variant in the IRF4 gene (Interferon Regulatory Factor 4)

rs872071 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IRF4 gene, involved in plasma cell / Th17 / B cell differentiation. 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 rs872071 variant?

rs872071 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the IRF4 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 4) gene. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Immune System & Inflammation biological cluster. IRF4 encodes an interferon regulatory factor critical for plasma cell differentiation, Th17 development, and effector T cell function.

Biological role and pathway

This variant sits within the IRF4 gene, which is involved in the plasma cell / Th17 / B cell differentiation 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.

rs872071 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

IRF4 drives both antibody-producing plasma cells and Th17 inflammatory cells; variants may affect the balance of humoral and inflammatory immune responses in Long COVID.

This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.

Parent gene: IRF4

rs872071 is one of 1 known variant in the IRF4 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.

View IRF4 gene page →

Conditions studied in relation to rs872071

Research into IRF4 variants including rs872071 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 IRF4 and the rs872071 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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rs872071 variant in the IRF4 gene?

rs872071 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the IRF4 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 4) gene, which is involved in plasma cell / Th17 / B cell differentiation. IRF4 encodes an interferon regulatory factor critical for plasma cell differentiation, Th17 development, and effector T cell function.

How may the rs872071 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

IRF4 drives both antibody-producing plasma cells and Th17 inflammatory cells; variants may affect the balance of humoral and inflammatory immune responses in Long COVID.

Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs872071 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 rs872071 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 Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for IRF4 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32296168
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Science