rs12442891
Variant in the NKG7 gene (Natural Killer Cell Granule Protein 7)
rs12442891 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the NKG7 gene, involved in cytotoxic function. 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 rs12442891 variant?
rs12442891 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the NKG7 (Natural Killer Cell Granule Protein 7) gene. It belongs to the Adaptive Immunity category and is part of the Adaptive Immunity biological cluster. NKG7 is a transmembrane protein in cytotoxic granules required for efficient cytotoxic killing by NK cells and CD8+ T cells. It facilitates granule exocytosis and regulates the efficiency of perforin-mediated pore formation.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the NKG7 gene, which is involved in the cytotoxic function 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.
rs12442891 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
NKG7 is one of the top differentially expressed genes between high and low severity COVID-19. Low NKG7 expression correlates with impaired cytotoxic function; variants affecting NKG7 may contribute to the NK and T cell dysfunction documented in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: NKG7
rs12442891 is one of 2 known variants in the NKG7 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View NKG7 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs12442891
Research into NKG7 variants including rs12442891 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 NKG7 and the rs12442891 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 NKG7 gene
The following variants in NKG7 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs12442891 variant in the NKG7 gene?
rs12442891 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the NKG7 (Natural Killer Cell Granule Protein 7) gene, which is involved in cytotoxic function. NKG7 is a transmembrane protein in cytotoxic granules required for efficient cytotoxic killing by NK cells and CD8+ T cells. It facilitates granule exocytosis and regulates the efficiency of perforin-mediated pore formation.
How may the rs12442891 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
NKG7 is one of the top differentially expressed genes between high and low severity COVID-19. Low NKG7 expression correlates with impaired cytotoxic function; variants affecting NKG7 may contribute to the NK and T cell dysfunction documented in Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs12442891 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 rs12442891 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 NKG7 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33230285
- [2]Nature
- [3]Cell Reports