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How IL17A and rs2275913 Affect Pregnancy Immune Balance

Pregnancy is a time of careful immune balancing. The immune system must both protect against infection and tolerate the growing embryo and placenta. The IL17A gene makes interleukin 17A, a signaling molecule that promotes inflammation. Variations at the rs2275913 position in IL17A can change how much IL-17A is produced. Higher IL-17A levels may increase inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface and are associated with higher relative risk for pregnancy complications such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

This article explains what the rs2275913 genotypes mean, how they can influence immune responses during pregnancy, and practical steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy environment. This content is educational only. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, supplements, exercise, or medical care.

Why IL-17A Matters in Pregnancy

  • IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in recruiting immune cells and promoting inflammatory signaling.
  • During pregnancy, a balance between inflammatory and regulatory immune responses is needed for implantation and placental development.
  • Elevated IL-17A can shift that balance toward inflammation, which may interfere with embryo implantation and placental health.
  • Genetic variants like rs2275913 can influence IL-17A production and therefore affect an individual fetomaternal immune environment.

Practical Strategies to Support Immune Balance in Pregnancy

Regardless of genotype, lifestyle factors influence immune regulation. Below are evidence-based, pregnancy-safe strategies to promote a balanced immune response and overall maternal health.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory eating pattern focused on whole foods: a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
  • Prioritize fiber to support gut microbiome diversity. Aim for a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber through vegetables, fruits, legumes, oats, and whole grains.
  • Limit ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive saturated fats, which can promote systemic inflammation.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish (if safe in pregnancy) or prenatal-approved algal omega-3 supplements to help modulate inflammatory signaling.
  • Ensure adequate protein intake to support placental and fetal development.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Gut Support

  • Vitamin D: Maintain adequate vitamin D levels, as vitamin D supports immune modulation. Work with your provider to check levels and determine appropriate supplementation if needed.
  • Zinc: Adequate zinc is important for immune function and may help regulate inflammatory cytokine production. Discuss safe prenatal supplementation with your healthcare provider.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Supporting gut health can influence systemic immune responses. Consider pregnancy-safe probiotic strains and increase prebiotic fibers from foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, and legumes.
  • Avoid unnecessary supplements or high doses without medical supervision. All supplement decisions during pregnancy should be made with your provider.

Exercise, Sleep, and Stress Management

  • Regular moderate exercise is associated with improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation. Examples include prenatal walking, swimming, low-impact aerobics, and prenatal yoga. Confirm activity plans with your clinician.
  • Prioritize sleep. Aim for consistent sleep schedules and address sleep disturbances with your care team, as poor sleep increases inflammatory markers.
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, guided breathing, gentle yoga, counseling, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Chronic stress can increase pro-inflammatory signaling.

Environmental and Lifestyle Exposures

  • Minimize exposure to environmental toxins where possible, including tobacco smoke, excessive air pollution, and unnecessary chemical exposures from cleaning products or personal care items.
  • Limit alcohol intake and avoid recreational drugs. Discuss any medication use with your provider to ensure safety during pregnancy.

Genotype-Specific Interpretations

The section below outlines how different rs2275913 genotypes are associated with IL-17A activity and suggested supportive strategies. This information is educational and does not replace clinical care. Discuss your genotype and any concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

2 effect alleles: AA — elevated relative risk of recurrent miscarriage

If you have the AA genotype, you carry two copies of the effect allele associated with increased IL-17A production. Higher IL-17A may raise inflammatory activity at the maternal-fetal interface. This can interfere with embryo implantation and placental development and is linked with higher relative risk for recurrent miscarriage.

Supportive steps to consider with your clinician:

  • Adopt a consistent anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids and limit ultra-processed foods.
  • Check vitamin D and zinc status and correct deficiencies under medical supervision.
  • Discuss pregnancy-safe probiotics or prebiotic dietary approaches to support gut microbiome health.
  • Engage in regular moderate exercise and structured stress management practices.
  • Work with your provider to evaluate any history of pregnancy loss and consider targeted monitoring or interventions during future pregnancies.
1 effect allele: AG — likely increased relative risk of recurrent miscarriage

If you have the AG genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele and may have moderately increased IL-17A activity. This can favor pro-inflammatory Th17 responses that may challenge immune tolerance during early pregnancy.

Supportive steps to consider with your clinician:

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory eating plan and prioritize fiber to support beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Measure and optimize vitamin D and zinc as recommended by your care team.
  • Consider pregnancy-appropriate probiotics and prebiotic foods to help modulate immune signaling.
  • Regular moderate exercise, good sleep hygiene, and active stress management can reduce inflammatory burden.
  • Share your genotype and reproductive history with your provider so they can tailor monitoring and care if you plan pregnancy.
0 effect alleles: GG — typical IL-17A inflammatory response

If you have the GG genotype, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and are not expected to have genetically elevated IL-17A activity due to rs2275913. Your immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface is likely typical for this variant.

General recommendations to maintain healthy pregnancy immune balance:

  • Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and regular prenatal care.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D and zinc intake as advised by your provider.
  • Support gut health with fiber and pregnancy-safe probiotics if appropriate.
  • Practice regular moderate exercise, stress reduction, and consistent sleep habits.

Next Steps and When to Talk to Your Provider

If you are planning a pregnancy or have a history of pregnancy loss, bring your genetic results to your healthcare provider or reproductive specialist. They can evaluate your overall risk, order relevant laboratory testing, and recommend personalized monitoring or interventions. PlexusDx provides educational genetic information only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret results and guide clinical decisions.