What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Inflammatory Response: 6/10 evidence, 80 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Inflammatory Risk and Better Biologic Response
This genotype is associated with baseline levels of tumor necrosis factor expression. It correlates with a typical risk for inflammatory diseases and a highly favorable response to anti-TNF biologic therapies.
What this genotype means: Standard baseline inflammatory cytokine levels; Favorable response profile to anti-TNF biologic medications; Typical baseline risk for autoimmune disorders.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Inflammatory Risk and Poorer Biologic Response
Carrying two copies of the A allele is linked to significantly higher tumor necrosis factor expression. This elevates the risk for several autoimmune conditions and is associated with a poorer response to anti-TNF therapies.
What this genotype means: Significantly elevated baseline inflammatory cytokine expression; Higher risk of developing autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions; Reduced efficacy when using standard anti-TNF biologic medications.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Increased Inflammatory Risk and Variable Biologic Response
Carrying one copy of the A allele is linked to higher tumor necrosis factor expression. This can elevate the risk for certain inflammatory conditions and lead to a more variable response to biologic therapies.
What this genotype means: Elevated baseline inflammatory cytokine expression; Increased susceptibility to asthma and autoimmune conditions; Inconsistent or reduced response to anti-TNF biologic therapies.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The TNF gene encodes tumor necrosis factor, a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in regulating immune responses and systemic inflammation. It is rapidly released by immune cells during infection or tissue injury to coordinate defense mechanisms. However, sustained or excessive production of this cytokine can lead to chronic inflammatory states and tissue damage. Because of its powerful role in driving inflammation, tumor necrosis factor is a primary therapeutic target for several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Variant Impact: The rs1800629 variant, commonly known as TNF-308, is located in the promoter region of the TNF gene and directly influences how actively the gene is transcribed. The minor A allele is widely documented to increase the baseline expression and production of tumor necrosis factor [1]. This elevated cytokine production can lead to a more intense inflammatory response when the immune system is triggered. Consequently, this genetic change has been extensively studied for its impact on susceptibility to inflammatory diseases and response to targeted biologic therapies.
Key Insight: The same genetic variant that increases your risk for chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma and lupus also predicts how well you will respond to common biologic medications that target inflammation.
Location: TNF. Chromosome 6 · 6p21.33 · 31.6 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 74.4%; European 68.8%; African 76.1%; East Asian 86.8%; South Asian 86.7%; Americas 83.4%; Ashkenazi 83.9%; Finnish 77.0%; Middle Eastern 79.4%; Amish 60.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 23.6%; European 28.3%; African 22.2%; East Asian 12.7%; South Asian 12.8%; Americas 15.9%; Ashkenazi 15.4%; Finnish 21.5%; Middle Eastern 19.4%; Amish 34.2%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 2.0%; European 2.9%; African 1.6%; East Asian 0.5%; South Asian 0.5%; Americas 0.8%; Ashkenazi 0.7%; Finnish 1.5%; Middle Eastern 1.2%; Amish 4.8%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Inflammatory Disease Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 29298134. Typical Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Immunosuppressant & Biologic Response
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 22760475. Stronger Response.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Hypertension
Pulse Pressure. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 30578418. Typical.
Obesity & Body Composition
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34021172. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Inflammatory Disease Risk. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 29298134. Increased Risk.
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 22760475. Poorer Response.
Pulse Pressure. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 30578418. Higher (+0.58 mmHg).
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34021172. Slightly Lower.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 22760475. Variable Response.
Pulse Pressure. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 30578418. Slightly Higher.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 34021172. Typical.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the common G allele is associated with standard baseline levels of tumor necrosis factor expression. This means the body is less prone to the spontaneous overproduction of inflammatory cytokines seen in carriers of the variant allele. Multiple clinical studies indicate that individuals with this genotype have a typical baseline risk for developing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Crohn's disease. Furthermore, if an inflammatory condition does develop, this genotype is consistently linked to a superior therapeutic response to anti-TNF medications, including etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. This makes it a highly favorable genetic profile for standard anti-inflammatory treatment protocols.
Standard baseline inflammatory cytokine levels; Favorable response profile to anti-TNF biologic medications; Typical baseline risk for autoimmune disorders.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the variant A allele leads to the highest genetic predisposition for tumor necrosis factor overproduction. This sustained inflammatory drive significantly increases susceptibility to a range of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, including Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and asthma. Clinical research also indicates that this genotype is associated with more severe disease complications and a higher risk of severe inflammatory responses during infections. Furthermore, individuals with this genotype are consistently shown to have a poorer response to standard anti-TNF biologic therapies, such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab, meaning alternative therapeutic pathways may need to be considered by healthcare providers. Slower drug metabolism and increased sensitivity to certain other medications have also been noted.
Significantly elevated baseline inflammatory cytokine expression; Higher risk of developing autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions; Reduced efficacy when using standard anti-TNF biologic medications.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
Having one copy of the variant A allele is associated with increased production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor. This elevated inflammatory state can make the body more sensitive to immune triggers, increasing the risk for conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In the event of severe trauma or infection, this heightened response has also been linked to a higher susceptibility to severe sepsis. Additionally, when treating autoimmune conditions, individuals with this genotype often show a more variable or less consistent response to standard anti-TNF biologic medications like etanercept and adalimumab [1]. Slower metabolism of certain medications, such as atorvastatin, has also been observed in preliminary studies.
Elevated baseline inflammatory cytokine expression; Increased susceptibility to asthma and autoimmune conditions; Inconsistent or reduced response to anti-TNF biologic therapies.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs361525 · TNF Gene · Chr 6 · Inflammatory Disease Risk
rs1800610 · TNF Gene · Chr 6 · Type 2 Diabetes Risk
rs1800750 · TNF Gene · Chr 6 · Infection Susceptibility
Content updated August 2026.
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