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Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Understanding Grass Pollen Allergy and the LRRC32 Gene

Grass allergy is a common seasonal condition caused by inhaling grass pollen. Typical symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and throat irritation. How strongly someone reacts to grass pollen depends on a mix of environmental exposures, immune system activity, and genetics. One gene that can influence this response is LRRC32, which helps control immune cells that prevent exaggerated reactions to harmless substances like pollen.

How LRRC32 Affects Immune Response

LRRC32 plays a role in regulating regulatory T cells, a subset of immune cells that keep inflammation in check. Variations in LRRC32 can change how well these regulatory pathways function. In some people, certain variants are associated with a stronger inflammatory response to grass pollen and higher levels of IgE antibodies that drive allergic symptoms. Having one or two copies of an effect allele may increase sensitivity, though it does not guarantee an allergy will develop.

Two effect alleles (TT for rs2155219)

Carrying two copies of the T allele for rs2155219 suggests a higher genetic tendency toward enhanced inflammatory responses to grass pollen. LRRC32 is less likely to fully support regulatory T cells in limiting immune overreaction, which can lead to stronger allergy symptoms such as severe sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion during grass pollen season. This genotype increases susceptibility but does not ensure symptoms will occur; environment and other genes also matter.

One effect allele (CT for rs2155219)

Having one copy of the T allele indicates a moderate genetic influence. LRRC32 function may be partially altered, which can raise the chance of developing higher IgE levels and an increased inflammatory reaction to grass pollen. People with this genotype may experience more noticeable seasonal symptoms than those without the T allele but typically less severe than those with two copies.

No effect alleles (CC for rs2155219)

Two copies of the C allele mean you do not carry the specific variant linked to greater grass pollen sensitivity at rs2155219. Your LRRC32 gene likely functions in its typical form and better supports regulatory T cell control over inflammation. You can still get seasonal allergies due to environmental triggers or other genetic factors, but this particular marker does not increase your risk.

Practical Steps to Reduce Grass Allergy Symptoms

Genetics are one piece of the puzzle. Whether or not your LRRC32 genotype increases risk, the following diet, supplement, and lifestyle steps can help reduce inflammation and improve symptom control during grass pollen season.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory eating pattern: focus on whole foods, plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Increase omega-3 fatty acids: eat fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) 2–3 times per week or use a high-quality omega-3 supplement to support balanced immune responses.
  • Prioritize colorful fruits and vegetables: rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Include fermented foods and prebiotic fiber: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and fiber-rich foods (onions, garlic, asparagus) support a healthy gut microbiome, which influences immune regulation.
  • Limit pro-inflammatory items: reduce processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats that can worsen inflammation.

Supplements to Consider

  • Vitamin C: an antioxidant that can reduce histamine levels and support immune health. Consider 500–1,000 mg daily if tolerated.
  • Quercetin: a plant flavonoid with natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Typical doses range from 250–500 mg two times daily.
  • Zinc: supports immune function; avoid excessive long-term dosing. A common supplemental dose is 15–30 mg daily with food.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): 1,000–2,000 mg combined daily can reduce inflammation and allergic responses.
  • Probiotics: a multi-strain probiotic taken daily may support immune balance; choose formulations with clinical strain data if possible.
  • Local honey: limited evidence exists, but some people report symptomatic relief when exposed incrementally to local pollen proteins. Use cautiously and avoid if allergic to honey components.

Always review supplement use with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions and ensure appropriate dosing for your health status.

Lifestyle Strategies

  • Monitor pollen counts and avoid outdoor activity during peak times: early morning and windy days often have the highest pollen levels.
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons and use air conditioning with a clean HEPA or high-efficiency filter.
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outside to remove pollen from skin and hair.
  • Use nasal irrigation: saline rinses can clear pollen and reduce nasal inflammation. Perform as directed using sterile or boiled-and-cooled water.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses and a hat outdoors to reduce eye and face exposure to pollen.
  • Manage indoor humidity: maintain relative humidity between 30% and 50% to reduce dust mite growth and mold that can worsen symptoms.
  • Consider allergen-proof bedding covers and wash linens weekly in hot water during peak season.

When to Talk with a Healthcare Provider

  • If symptoms are persistent or worsening despite lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies
  • If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe sinus pain
  • To discuss prescription options such as nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, or immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) that may modify long-term allergic responses
  • To review any supplements for safety and interactions with medications

Final Notes and Disclaimer

This information is educational and intended to help you understand how a variation in LRRC32 may influence allergy risk and symptom severity. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical decisions, starting supplements, or changing treatments based on genetic information.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Allergy and LRRC32 rs2155219

How does the LRRC32 gene influence grass pollen allergy risk?

LRRC32 helps regulate regulatory T cells that keep immune inflammation in check. Variations in LRRC32 can affect how well these regulatory pathways function, which may influence how strongly you react to grass pollen. Some variants are associated with a higher inflammatory response and increased IgE antibodies, which can drive common allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion—though carrying an effect allele does not guarantee you will develop an allergy.

What do the rs2155219 LRRC32 genotypes (TT, CT, or CC) suggest about symptom severity?

For rs2155219, two effect alleles (TT) suggest a higher genetic tendency toward stronger inflammatory responses, making seasonal symptoms like severe sneezing and itchy eyes more likely during grass pollen season. One effect allele (CT) suggests a moderate influence that may increase IgE levels and make symptoms more noticeable, usually less severe than TT. No effect alleles (CC) indicates you do not carry the specific variant linked to greater sensitivity at rs2155219, so LRRC32 may function more typically; however, you can still develop seasonal allergies due to environmental triggers or other genes.

What steps can help reduce grass allergy symptoms regardless of my LRRC32 results?

Even with a genetic tendency, you can reduce symptoms by combining anti-inflammatory nutrition with practical exposure control. Focus on whole foods, fruits and vegetables, omega-3 intake (fatty fish 2–3 times weekly or a supplement), fermented foods and prebiotic fiber to support gut health, and limit processed foods and excess sugar. Consider supplements such as vitamin C, quercetin, zinc (with caution on dose), omega-3, probiotics, and use local honey cautiously if appropriate. Lifestyle strategies include checking pollen counts, staying indoors during peak times, using HEPA-filter air, showering and changing clothes after outdoor time, using saline nasal irrigation, wearing sunglasses/hat, and keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. If symptoms persist or are severe (e.g., breathing difficulty, swelling, or intense sinus pain), talk with a healthcare provider about prescription options and immunotherapy.

What tests can help me learn more about Grass Allergy and LRRC32 rs2155219?

The Food Sensitivity & Allergy Genetic Test analyzes over 240 genetic insights related to immune response, inflammation, and dietary tolerance. The Allergies and Food Sensitivities Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.