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How IL6R Gene Variations Affect Inflammation and Immune Health

The immune system is your body’s defense network, protecting you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses through processes including inflammation. Inflammation helps heal, but when it is excessive or prolonged it can contribute to symptoms and chronic conditions. The IL6R gene produces the interleukin 6 receptor, which receives signals from the IL-6 molecule and helps regulate immune responses and inflammation. Small variations in this gene can change how the receptor behaves, altering immune signaling and sometimes influencing allergies, sensitivities, and overall inflammatory tone.

Why IL6R Matters

IL-6 is a key messenger in immune communication. It tells immune cells when to ramp up activity and when to calm down. The IL6R gene determines how many IL-6 receptors are present on cell surfaces and how much of a soluble receptor floats freely in the bloodstream. The soluble receptor can change how IL-6 signals are delivered, and certain genetic variants are linked with higher levels of soluble IL-6 receptor. Those changes can produce stronger or longer inflammatory responses when the body is challenged by infection, allergens, or environmental stressors.

What This Means for You

Knowing your IL6R genotype can help explain tendencies toward increased or typical inflammatory responses. This information can guide sensible lifestyle choices that support immune balance and reduce unnecessary inflammation. Below are practical, consumer-friendly recommendations in diet, supplements, lifestyle habits, and monitoring that complement your genetic insight. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or treatment plans.

Practical Steps to Support Balanced Inflammation

Diet Recommendations

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory pattern centered on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
  • Choose healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado. Limit processed vegetable oils and trans fats.
  • Increase omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), chia seeds, and walnuts.
  • Reduce intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars that can promote inflammatory pathways.
  • Include colorful phytonutrient sources such as berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and turmeric in cooking.
  • Limit or avoid known food triggers and common allergens if you notice symptom flares after eating specific foods.

Supplement Considerations

Consult your healthcare provider prior to starting any supplements. Typical supplements discussed when supporting immune balance include:

  • Vitamin D: Supports immune regulation. Consider testing blood levels before supplementing to reach an appropriate target.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA can help modulate inflammatory responses. A healthcare provider can recommend dose based on diet and health needs.
  • Probiotics: Can support gut microbial balance, which influences immune function and inflammation.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E and polyphenol-rich extracts may provide supportive antioxidant effects.

Lifestyle Habits That Reduce Excess Inflammation

  • Stress management: Chronic stress can amplify inflammatory signaling. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce stress-related inflammation.
  • Regular physical activity: Moderate exercise supports immune resilience and lowers baseline inflammation. Aim for a mix of aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility work most days of the week.
  • Quality sleep: Poor sleep raises inflammatory markers. Target consistent bedtimes and 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly.
  • Avoid environmental triggers: Reduce exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, and known allergens when possible.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, produces inflammatory signaling molecules. Weight management through diet and activity can lower inflammation.

Monitoring and Medical Considerations

  • Discuss with your clinician whether testing inflammatory markers such as CRP or IL-6 is appropriate for your situation.
  • Review any chronic symptoms like recurrent infections, persistent allergy symptoms, or unexplained inflammatory conditions with a healthcare provider.
  • If taking immune-modulating medications, share your genetic results with your clinician so they can interpret how this information might integrate into treatment planning.

Genetic Interpretation: rs2228145 (IL6R)

2 effect alleles — CC genotype

You carry two copies of the effect allele for rs2228145. This genotype is associated with elevated levels of soluble IL-6 receptor in your bloodstream. The soluble receptor circulates freely rather than remaining attached to cell surfaces, which alters immune communication. With this genotype, your immune signaling may be modified so that inflammatory responses are higher or more prolonged when you encounter triggers such as infections, allergens, or environmental stressors. Clinically this can mean more intense symptoms linked to inflammation or increased sensitivity in respiratory or other systems. Focus on strategies that lower chronic inflammation and manage exposures that provoke immune activation.

1 effect allele — AC genotype

You carry one copy of the effect allele for rs2228145. This is associated with moderately elevated soluble IL-6 receptor levels compared to those without the allele. The soluble receptor circulates in the blood rather than staying bound to immune cell surfaces, which changes how IL-6 signals are transmitted. This genotype may subtly shift immune regulation and make you more prone to stronger inflammatory reactions to allergens, infections, or environmental factors. Practical measures to support balanced inflammation and avoid known triggers are recommended.

0 effect alleles — AA genotype

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele for rs2228145. This genotype is associated with standard IL-6 receptor function and a balanced immune and inflammatory response. Your IL6R gene produces typical levels of the receptor, which functions as an antenna on immune cells to receive IL-6 signals. With this genotype your inflammatory processes are more likely to remain within a typical range, supporting appropriate immune signaling during infections, stress, and other challenges. Continue general health practices that support immune balance.

Putting It All Together

IL6R genotype information offers insight into one piece of how your immune system communicates and manages inflammation. Whether your genotype is associated with elevated soluble IL-6 receptor levels or not, lifestyle, diet, sleep, stress management, and targeted supplementation under clinical guidance are powerful tools to support balanced immune function. Keep in mind that genes are one factor among many. Environment, behaviors, and other genetic variants also influence outcomes.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you understand genetic predispositions. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, changing medications, or making significant lifestyle changes based on genetic information.