rs17445836
Variant in the IRF8 gene (Interferon Regulatory Factor 8)
rs17445836 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the IRF8 gene, involved in dendritic cell / macrophage 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 rs17445836 variant?
rs17445836 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the IRF8 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 8) gene. It belongs to the Immune Signaling category and is part of the Viral Defense & Interferon Response biological cluster. IRF8 encodes a transcription factor essential for plasmacytoid dendritic cell and macrophage differentiation, regulating type I IFN and IL-12 production.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the IRF8 gene, which is involved in the dendritic cell / macrophage differentiation pathway. Genes within the Viral Defense & Interferon Response 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.
rs17445836 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
IRF8 is critical for plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) development; pDCs are major type I IFN producers, and IRF8 variants may affect innate antiviral defenses relevant to Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: IRF8
rs17445836 is one of 1 known variant in the IRF8 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View IRF8 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs17445836
Research into IRF8 variants including rs17445836 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 IRF8 and the rs17445836 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 rs17445836 variant in the IRF8 gene?
rs17445836 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the IRF8 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 8) gene, which is involved in dendritic cell / macrophage differentiation. IRF8 encodes a transcription factor essential for plasmacytoid dendritic cell and macrophage differentiation, regulating type I IFN and IL-12 production.
How may the rs17445836 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
IRF8 is critical for plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) development; pDCs are major type I IFN producers, and IRF8 variants may affect innate antiviral defenses relevant to Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs17445836 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 rs17445836 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.
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References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for IRF8 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32217835
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Journal of Experimental Medicine