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Mold Allergy and the LRRC32 Gene: What Your Genotype May Mean

Mold allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to mold spores, causing symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat, watery eyes, and skin irritation. The LRRC32 gene helps regulate immune responses by supporting regulatory T cells, which keep inflammation in check. Variations in LRRC32 can affect how strongly your immune system reacts to mold, potentially influencing the severity of allergic symptoms.

How genes and environment interact

Your genetics can raise or lower your predisposition to stronger immune reactions, but genes are only one piece of the puzzle. Environmental exposures, home humidity, cleaning habits, other health conditions, and lifestyle factors also shape how you feel when exposed to mold. Understanding your genotype can help you target prevention, reduce exposures, and support immune balance.

Practical steps to reduce mold-related symptoms

  • Control indoor humidity: Keep indoor relative humidity below 50 percent. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms.
  • Fix water issues quickly: Repair leaks, dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours, and clean or replace water-damaged items to prevent mold growth.
  • Improve ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Consider mechanical ventilation if your home is tightly sealed.
  • Clean regularly: Wipe down surfaces, launder fabrics that collect moisture, and clean HVAC systems and filters on schedule.
  • Avoid outdoor mold exposure when high: During high spore counts, keep windows closed and limit outdoor activities in damp, decaying environments.

Diet, supplements, and lifestyle strategies to support immune balance

Supporting the immune system and lowering chronic inflammation can help reduce allergic reactivity. Consider the following general lifestyle and nutrition steps. These are educational suggestions and not medical advice.

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts.
  • Stay hydrated: Adequate fluids help maintain mucous membrane health in airways.
  • Optimize vitamin D: Vitamin D supports immune regulation. Discuss testing and appropriate dosing with your healthcare provider before starting supplements.
  • Consider probiotics: Certain probiotic strains may support immune tolerance and gut barrier function. Talk with your clinician about suitable strains and doses.
  • Natural anti-inflammatory supplements: Quercetin and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are commonly used to support respiratory health and reduce oxidative stress. Consult with your healthcare provider before use.
  • Manage stress and sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen immune dysregulation. Prioritize regular sleep, relaxation techniques, and stress-reduction practices.
  • Avoid smoking and pollutants: Tobacco smoke and air pollutants can amplify allergic inflammation and irritate airways.

Genetic interpretation for LRRC32 variant rs2155219

TT genotype — two effect alleles

Your genotype: TT. This means you carry two copies of the effect allele at rs2155219 in the LRRC32 gene. LRRC32 plays a role in regulatory T cell function and immune balance. With the TT genotype, your immune system may be more likely to mount a stronger inflammatory response when exposed to mold spores. That can translate to more pronounced allergic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or sore throat, and skin irritation.

What to consider

  • Prioritize reducing mold exposure at home and work. Be proactive with humidity control, leak repairs, and cleaning.
  • Discuss environmental control strategies with your provider or an allergist. Consider testing for specific mold sensitivities if symptoms are persistent.
  • Focus on anti-inflammatory nutrition and consider discussing vitamin D, probiotics, quercetin, or NAC with your clinician to support immune regulation.
  • Track symptoms and environmental triggers to identify patterns and reduce exposures.
CT genotype — one effect allele

Your genotype: CT. You carry one copy of the effect allele at rs2155219 in LRRC32. This is an intermediate risk profile. Your regulatory T cell function may be modestly affected, which can make you somewhat more prone to allergic reactions to mold compared to those without the effect allele, but generally less so than individuals with two copies.

What to consider

  • Maintain good indoor air quality by managing humidity and addressing water damage promptly.
  • Use symptom tracking and environmental checks to see whether mold exposure correlates with flare ups.
  • Adopt anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and discuss supplements such as vitamin D or probiotics with your healthcare provider if you experience recurrent symptoms.
  • Consider allergy testing if symptoms affect daily life or persist despite environmental steps.
CC genotype — zero effect alleles

Your genotype: CC. You carry two copies of the non-effect allele at rs2155219. At this specific genetic location, your LRRC32 profile does not indicate an increased predisposition to heightened immune reactivity to mold. This suggests your regulatory T cells may support standard immune balance regarding mold allergens.

What to consider

  • Even with this genotype, mold allergy can still occur due to environmental exposure or other genetic and non-genetic factors. Continue to practice good mold avoidance and indoor air management.
  • If you develop symptoms, evaluate environmental sources and consider clinical testing to identify triggers and appropriate management strategies.
  • Healthy lifestyle habits, an anti-inflammatory diet, and attention to sleep and stress remain useful for maintaining overall respiratory health.

When to seek clinical care

  • If symptoms are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily activities, talk with your healthcare provider or an allergist about testing and treatment options.
  • Consider medical evaluation if you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, persistent sinus infection, or symptoms that do not improve with environmental measures.

PlexusDx provides educational genetic information only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, supplements, or treatment based on genetic information. Your provider can help interpret results in the context of your full medical history and guide testing or therapy appropriate for your situation.