rs3117582

Variant in the MICA gene (MHC Class I Polypeptide-Related Sequence A)

rs3117582 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MICA gene, involved in NK cell activation. 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 rs3117582 variant?

rs3117582 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the MICA (MHC Class I Polypeptide-Related Sequence A) gene. It belongs to the Adaptive Immunity category and is part of the Adaptive Immunity biological cluster. MICA is a stress-inducible MHC class I-related glycoprotein that activates NK cells and CD8+ T cells through NKG2D. It is shed from cell surfaces by ADAM proteases, generating soluble MICA that downregulates NKG2D.

Biological role and pathway

This variant sits within the MICA gene, which is involved in the NK cell activation pathway. Genes within the Adaptive Immunity 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.

rs3117582 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

Soluble MICA is elevated in COVID-19 and can impair NK cell surveillance. MICA polymorphisms (particularly MICA*008) are associated with autoimmune diseases and HIV progression. MICA variants affecting NKG2D-mediated immune surveillance may influence Long COVID immune pathogenesis.

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

Parent gene: MICA

rs3117582 is one of 3 known variants in the MICA gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.

View MICA gene page →

Conditions studied in relation to rs3117582

Research into MICA variants including rs3117582 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 MICA and the rs3117582 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 MICA gene

The following variants in MICA are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rs3117582 variant in the MICA gene?

rs3117582 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the MICA (MHC Class I Polypeptide-Related Sequence A) gene, which is involved in NK cell activation. MICA is a stress-inducible MHC class I-related glycoprotein that activates NK cells and CD8+ T cells through NKG2D. It is shed from cell surfaces by ADAM proteases, generating soluble MICA that downregulates NKG2D.

How may the rs3117582 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

Soluble MICA is elevated in COVID-19 and can impair NK cell surveillance. MICA polymorphisms (particularly MICA*008) are associated with autoimmune diseases and HIV progression. MICA variants affecting NKG2D-mediated immune surveillance may influence Long COVID immune pathogenesis.

Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs3117582 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 rs3117582 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 MICA and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 26822940
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]New England Journal of Medicine