Genetic variants play a huge role in your immune response — from how you fight off pathogens to your susceptibility to chronic inflammation. There is a wide variation in immune response genes, which makes us all unique in our response to different pathogens. Inflammatory cytokine genes, like TNF-alpha, have variants that increase susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions, but these same variants can help fight off a specific virus or bacteria.
Chronic inflammation is a huge – and vague – topic! You can use your genetic data to understand which pathways are likely involved for you, and then use the lifehacks sections to discover the right solution for your genes.
Where to start?
Summary Reports:
| Inflammation Summary | Immune System Summary Report |
The IL17 gene codes for an important part of the immune system. When it is overactive, IL-17 can contribute to the risk of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
A genetic variant in the FUT2 gene controls whether or not you secrete your blood type into your saliva and other bodily fluids, such as your intestinal mucosa. This alters the gut microbiome – and protects you from Norovirus.
Take a look into the science of the lingering effects of viruses, including chronic fatigue syndrome and long-haul viruses.
Utilize our Immune and Inflammation Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to discover the articles most relevant to you. These summaries distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please refer to the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)
The HMGB1 protein has a unique role in activating the inflammatory response pathways. Increased HMGB1 levels will call up the troops for a big response to an infection. Discover how genetic variants of this protein vary the risk of cancer, inflammation, and sepsis to name a few.
In a nutshell, the anti-inflammatory flavonoid found in citrus called hesperidin may help with cardiovascular health and preventing neuroinflammation. Learn more about this flavonoid found in citrus fruits.
Vitamin D is more than just a ‘vitamin’. It is actually a hormone essential to many processes in your body – including your immune system. Learn how vitamin D helps the immune response to coronavirus, flu, and other respiratory viruses.
Genetics plays a role in both Meniere’s disease and tinnitus. Understanding your genetic susceptibility may help point you to the right solutions.
Genetics plays a huge role in how an individual responds to a vaccine. Learn more about vaccines, immunity, and genetic variants that affect the response.
Kawasaki disease is an excessive inflammatory response that some children have due to viral or bacterial illnesses. Several genetic variants are tied to an increased susceptibility to Kawasaki disease.
Genetics plays a role in the likelihood of having chronic sinus problems. This article looks at the genetic reasons driving some people to have chronic sinus infections.
ARDS is caused by an overwhelming immune response to a virus, bacteria, or lung injury. Learn more about which of your immune system genes are involved in ARDS.
Your circadian rhythm influences your immune response. Learn how this rhythm controls white blood cell production and why melatonin protects against viral and bacterial infections.
Viral immunity-your genes protect you. Your genetic variants shape your immune system and give you superpowers against some pathogens, perhaps more susceptible to others.
You brush, you floss, and your gums still bleed… perhaps you carry some of the genetic variants associated with gingivitis? Check your genetic data to see. (Member’s article)
Acne is thought to be 80% heritable. Learn how your genetic variants increase your risk of acne and find specific solutions that work for those genetic pathways.
Chronic inflammation is the driver of many common diseases such as heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. C-Reactive Protein is a marker of inflammation. Genetic variants can increase or decrease CRP levels.
Learn how your gut microbiome influences the expression of your core circadian rhythm genes.
Lyme disease recovery can vary. Whether you recover quickly or have chronic symptoms that include joint pain or arthritis, it may be due to the genetic variants that you carry.
Allergies are usually due to a mix of genetic susceptibility and being exposed to certain triggering molecules. Several different gene variants have ties to an increased risk of grass pollen allergies.
Some people have a more sensitive immune system and are more prone to inflammatory reactions. We need a balance in the body between fighting off pathogens and not having too much of an inflammatory response. Learn more about what triggers inflammation and how your genes play a part.
Histamine plays several important roles in the body. Learn more about the newest research into histamine intolerance and mast cells.