rs2076463

Variant in the USP18 gene (Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 18)

rs2076463 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the USP18 gene, involved in ISG15/interferon negative regulation. 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 rs2076463 variant?

rs2076463 is a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the USP18 (Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 18) gene. It belongs to the Antiviral category and is part of the Viral Defense & Interferon Response biological cluster. USP18 is a critical negative regulator of type I interferon signaling that cleaves ISG15 from proteins and suppresses the IFNAR2 receptor.

Biological role and pathway

This variant sits within the USP18 gene, which is involved in the ISG15/interferon negative regulation 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.

rs2076463 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

USP18 deficiency leads to uncontrolled type I interferon signaling; variants may affect interferonopathy risk and contribute to chronic immune activation in Long COVID.

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

Parent gene: USP18

rs2076463 is one of 3 known variants in the USP18 gene. To understand the full biological context of this variant, explore the parent gene page.

View USP18 gene page →

Conditions studied in relation to rs2076463

Research into USP18 variants including rs2076463 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 USP18 and the rs2076463 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 USP18 gene

The following variants in USP18 are also studied in relation to chronic illness and may be analysed together for a more complete picture.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rs2076463 variant in the USP18 gene?

rs2076463 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the USP18 (Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 18) gene, which is involved in ISG15/interferon negative regulation. USP18 is a critical negative regulator of type I interferon signaling that cleaves ISG15 from proteins and suppresses the IFNAR2 receptor.

How may the rs2076463 variant relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

USP18 deficiency leads to uncontrolled type I interferon signaling; variants may affect interferonopathy risk and contribute to chronic immune activation in Long COVID.

Can a consumer DNA test detect the rs2076463 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 rs2076463 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 USP18 and its variants. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 32217835
  • [2]Nature Immunology
  • [3]NEJM