rs4728142
Variant in the IRF5 gene (Interferon Regulatory Factor 5)
rs4728142 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IRF5 gene, involved in interferon 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 rs4728142 variant?
rs4728142 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the IRF5 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 5) gene. It belongs to the Innate Immunity category and is part of the Innate Immunity & Interferons biological cluster. IRF5 is a transcription factor that regulates proinflammatory cytokine production downstream of TLR signaling, driving M1 macrophage polarization and IL-12, IL-23, and TNF expression. Common genetic variants are major risk factors for autoimmune diseases.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the IRF5 gene, which is involved in the interferon signaling pathway. Genes within the Innate Immunity & Interferons 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.
rs4728142 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IRF5 variants (rs2004640) are strongly associated with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Long COVID shares features of autoimmune dysregulation; IRF5 polymorphisms may contribute to the autoantibody production and inflammatory cytokine profiles in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: IRF5
rs4728142 is one of 4 known variants in the IRF5 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View IRF5 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs4728142
Research into IRF5 variants including rs4728142 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 IRF5 and the rs4728142 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 IRF5 gene
The following variants in IRF5 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs4728142 variant in the IRF5 gene?
rs4728142 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the IRF5 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 5) gene, which is involved in interferon signaling. IRF5 is a transcription factor that regulates proinflammatory cytokine production downstream of TLR signaling, driving M1 macrophage polarization and IL-12, IL-23, and TNF expression. Common genetic variants are major risk factors for autoimmune diseases.
How may the rs4728142 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IRF5 variants (rs2004640) are strongly associated with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Long COVID shares features of autoimmune dysregulation; IRF5 polymorphisms may contribute to the autoantibody production and inflammatory cytokine profiles in Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs4728142 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 rs4728142 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 IRF5 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 25329329
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Nature Reviews Immunology