What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Autoimmune and Pain Response: 5/10 evidence, 32 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lower Autoimmune Risk but Reduced Opioid Response
Protection against several autoimmune conditions is paired with a tendency toward reduced response to opioid medications.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of type 1 diabetes; Lower risk of ulcerative colitis; May respond less strongly to opioids for pain relief.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/C
Balanced Autoimmune Risk and Lower Morphine Side Effects
A typical risk profile for autoimmune diseases is accompanied by a lower likelihood of experiencing nausea and fatigue from morphine.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk for type 1 diabetes; Lower risk of morphine-induced nausea and fatigue; Standard opioid dosing is typically effective.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Autoimmune Risk but Lower Morphine Side Effects
An increased susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases is offset by a lower risk of experiencing side effects from morphine.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of type 1 diabetes; Increased risk of ulcerative colitis; Lower risk of morphine-induced nausea and fatigue.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IL2 gene encodes interleukin 2, a crucial signaling protein that regulates the activity of the immune system. It plays a dual role by promoting the activation and proliferation of T-cells and natural killer cells while also maintaining regulatory T-cells that prevent autoimmune attacks. Variations in this gene can alter the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals. This balance is critical for defending against pathogens and preventing the body from attacking its own tissues.
Variant Impact: The rs2069762 variant is located in the promoter region of the IL2 gene, where it directly influences how much interleukin 2 protein is produced. The C allele is associated with higher promoter activity and increased production of this cytokine, leading to a more active immune response [1]. Conversely, the A allele leads to lower baseline levels of interleukin 2 [1]. This expression difference affects both susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions and how the nervous system processes pain signals.
Key Insight: The same genetic variant that increases the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes actually protects against common side effects of morphine, such as nausea and fatigue.
Location: IL2. Chromosome 4 · 4q27 · 122.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 57.8%; European 49.2%; African 85.8%; East Asian 43.7%; South Asian 24.4%; Americas 49.2%; Ashkenazi 32.5%; Finnish 50.1%; Middle Eastern 23.7%; Amish 42.8%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 34.7%; European 41.9%; African 13.7%; East Asian 44.8%; South Asian 50.0%; Americas 41.9%; Ashkenazi 49.0%; Finnish 41.4%; Middle Eastern 50.0%; Amish 45.2%.
Estimated AC genotype frequency.
Global 7.5%; European 8.9%; African 0.5%; East Asian 11.5%; South Asian 25.6%; Americas 8.9%; Ashkenazi 18.5%; Finnish 8.5%; Middle Eastern 26.4%; Amish 12.0%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21829393. Lower Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Pain Medication Response
Morphine Side Effects. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 38824169. Typical Risk.
Opioid Painkiller Dose. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 38126330. Higher Tolerance.
Immunity & Inflammation
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21648020. Lower Risk.
Cancer & Oncology
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastric Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19058298. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for A/C genotype
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21829393. Typical Risk.
Morphine Side Effects. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 38824169. Lower Risk.
Opioid Painkiller Dose. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 38126330. Typical Response.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21648020. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21829393. Increased Risk.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21648020. Increased Risk.
Gastric Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19058298. Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Lower baseline levels of interleukin 2 reduce the likelihood of chronic inflammatory responses. This lower inflammatory profile translates to a significantly decreased risk of developing type 1 diabetes [1] and ulcerative colitis [2]. Additionally, research shows a lower susceptibility to gastric cancer compared to carriers of the C allele [3]. However, the way the nervous system interacts with immune signaling means that opioid medications may be less effective at achieving pain control [4]. There is also a typical likelihood of experiencing standard morphine-related side effects such as nausea and fatigue.
Lower risk of type 1 diabetes; Lower risk of ulcerative colitis; May respond less strongly to opioids for pain relief.
Sample genotype: AC (Heterozygous)
A moderate level of interleukin 2 production maintains a balanced immune response. Susceptibility to autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes [1] and ulcerative colitis [2] remains at a typical baseline level. However, protection against gastric cancer is still maintained compared to the homozygous C/C genotype [3]. On the pharmacogenomic side, there is a significantly decreased likelihood of experiencing common side effects of morphine, including nausea, fatigue, and depression [4]. Standard doses of opioid medications are typically sufficient for managing pain [5].
Typical baseline risk for type 1 diabetes; Lower risk of morphine-induced nausea and fatigue; Standard opioid dosing is typically effective.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Elevated baseline production of interleukin 2 can drive chronic, unwanted inflammatory processes. This pro-inflammatory environment is linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes [1] and ulcerative colitis [2]. There is also an elevated risk of gastric cancer associated with this high-expression genotype [3]. Conversely, this active immune profile appears to alter neuroimmune interactions in a way that protects against morphine side effects [4]. Standard doses of opioids are typically highly effective for pain relief, with a lower likelihood of causing nausea, fatigue, or depression [4].
Increased risk of type 1 diabetes; Increased risk of ulcerative colitis; Lower risk of morphine-induced nausea and fatigue.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs6822844 · IL2 Gene · Chr 4 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
rs2069763 · IL2 Gene · Chr 4 · Autoimmune and Asthma Risk
rs2069772 · IL2 Gene · Chr 4 · Allergy and Asthma Risk
Effects of gene polymorphism and serum levels of IL-2 and IL-6 on endometriosis.
Genome-wide association analysis of autoantibody positivity in type 1 diabetes cases.
Promoter polymorphisms of IL2, IL4, and risk of gastric cancer in a high-risk Chinese population.
Content updated August 2026.
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