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Understanding Your HLA-DQB1 Result and Peanut Allergy Risk

Peanut allergy happens when the immune system mistakenly treats peanut proteins as harmful. That can trigger reactions from mild hives to life threatening anaphylaxis. The HLA-DQB1 gene helps immune cells recognize and display protein fragments to the rest of the immune system. Variations in HLA-DQB1 can change how strongly the immune system reacts to peanut proteins and influence allergy risk, but genes are only part of the story. Environment, exposure history, other genes, and immune development all matter.

How HLA-DQB1 Affects Immune Response

HLA-DQB1 is part of the major histocompatibility complex. It helps antigen presenting cells display small pieces of proteins to T cells. Depending on which version of the gene you carry, those protein fragments may be shown more or less effectively. That can alter the chance that the immune system decides to mount an allergic response. A genotype linked to increased presentation of peanut fragments may raise susceptibility, but it does not guarantee an allergy.

What This Report Can and Cannot Tell You

  • This genetic information describes predisposition, not diagnosis.
  • Having a variant associated with increased risk does not mean you will develop a peanut allergy.
  • Not having that variant does not mean you are guaranteed to be allergy free.
  • If you have symptoms or concerns, clinical testing and evaluation by your healthcare provider or an allergist are important.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles — CC genotype (rs9275596)

If you have the CC genotype at rs9275596, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher potential for the immune system to recognize peanut protein fragments. In practical terms, antigen presenting cells in your immune system may display peanut peptides in a way that could stimulate stronger T cell activity. That may increase the likelihood of forming allergy specific antibodies and clinical reactivity when exposed to peanuts.

Important points

  • This is a predisposition only. It does not confirm that you have a peanut allergy.
  • Monitor for symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheeze, throat tightness, vomiting, or dizziness after peanut exposure.
  • Discuss clinical testing options with your healthcare provider or an allergist, including skin prick testing or specific IgE blood testing.
1 effect allele — CT genotype (rs9275596)

If you have the CT genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This suggests a moderate tendency for the immune system to present peanut protein fragments more actively than in people without the effect allele. You may have a somewhat increased tendency to develop peanut specific antibodies compared with the non effect genotype, but your actual risk is influenced by many other factors.

Important points

  • One effect allele indicates a potential, not a certainty, for increased sensitivity.
  • Be attentive to symptoms after peanut exposure and keep a record of reactions and exposures.
  • Consider discussing targeted testing with your provider if you have any suspected reactions or a family history of food allergies.
0 effect alleles — TT genotype (rs9275596)

If you have the TT genotype, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This genotype is associated with a typical pattern of immune presentation for peanut proteins. Your HLA-DQB1 variant does not include the C allele linked with stronger presentation of peanut fragments. That suggests your genetic contribution at this site aligns with average risk for peanut protein recognition.

Important points

  • TT does not rule out allergy. Environmental and other genetic factors still influence risk.
  • If you have no symptoms, routine food introduction and standard precautions apply.
  • If you have concerning symptoms, seek evaluation from your healthcare provider or an allergist.

Practical Steps to Support Immune Health and Reduce Allergy Risk

Dietary Approaches

  • Adopt an anti inflammatory diet focused on a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts (if tolerated), seeds, and lean proteins.
  • Include foods high in omega 3 fatty acids such as oily fish, flaxseed, and chia to help modulate immune responses.
  • Prioritize fiber rich foods to support a healthy gut microbiome. A diverse microbiome is linked to more balanced immune development.
  • Avoid excessive processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats that can promote inflammation.
  • If introducing allergenic foods into an infant diet, follow current pediatric guidance and discuss timing with your child’s provider.

Supplements to Consider

  • Vitamin D: supports immune regulation. Check blood levels before starting and discuss an appropriate dose with your provider.
  • Probiotics: certain strains may support gut barrier function and immune balance. Choose a product with documented strains and potency.
  • Vitamin C and zinc: support general immune health and may help reduce severity of inflammatory responses.
  • Quercetin: a plant flavonoid with natural antihistamine and anti inflammatory properties. Use with professional guidance.
  • Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you have chronic conditions or take medications.

Lifestyle Strategies

  • Careful food monitoring and label reading are essential if you suspect food sensitivity or allergy.
  • Introduce new foods gradually and one at a time so reactions are easier to identify.
  • If you or a family member has a known peanut allergy, maintain strict avoidance and have an emergency action plan including access to epinephrine as prescribed.
  • Manage stress, get regular sleep, and exercise moderately to support balanced immune function.
  • Consider allergy testing and personalized counseling from an allergist if you have symptoms or a family history of food allergies.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Seek prompt medical attention for any signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. For recurring or uncertain symptoms after eating peanuts or other foods, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or an allergist to explore testing and management options.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always discuss genetic findings, test results, symptoms, and treatment decisions with your healthcare provider or an allergist to determine appropriate care for your situation.