rs12720356
Variant in the TYK2 gene (Tyrosine Kinase 2)
rs12720356 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TYK2 gene, involved in type I/III interferon / IL-12 / IL-23 JAK 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 rs12720356 variant?
rs12720356 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the TYK2 (Tyrosine Kinase 2) gene. It belongs to the Antiviral category and is part of the Viral Defense & Interferon Response biological cluster. TYK2 is a JAK family kinase that mediates signaling downstream of type I/III IFN receptors and IL-12/IL-23, critical for antiviral immunity.
Biological role and pathway
This variant sits within the TYK2 gene, which is involved in the type I/III interferon / IL-12 / IL-23 JAK signaling 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.
rs12720356 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
TYK2 variants (P1104A) affect IL-23 signaling and are the basis for TYK2-inhibitor drugs; variants may influence interferon-driven immune activation in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Parent gene: TYK2
rs12720356 is one of 2 known variants in the TYK2 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.
View TYK2 gene page →Conditions studied in relation to rs12720356
Research into TYK2 variants including rs12720356 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 TYK2 and the rs12720356 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 TYK2 gene
The following variants in TYK2 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rs12720356 variant in the TYK2 gene?
rs12720356 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the TYK2 (Tyrosine Kinase 2) gene, which is involved in type I/III interferon / IL-12 / IL-23 JAK signaling. TYK2 is a JAK family kinase that mediates signaling downstream of type I/III IFN receptors and IL-12/IL-23, critical for antiviral immunity.
How may the rs12720356 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
TYK2 variants (P1104A) affect IL-23 signaling and are the basis for TYK2-inhibitor drugs; variants may influence interferon-driven immune activation in Long COVID.
Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs12720356 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 rs12720356 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 TYK2 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 32558485
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]New England Journal of Medicine