What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Autoimmune Disease Risk: 7/10 evidence, 45 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Risk of Autoimmune Diseases
Presence of the T/T genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing several autoimmune conditions. This includes a higher likelihood of multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of multiple sclerosis; Increased risk of type 1 diabetes; Higher levels of soluble IL-2RA.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Risk of Autoimmune Diseases
Presence of the C/C genotype is associated with a lower risk of several autoimmune conditions. This includes a reduced likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of multiple sclerosis; Lower risk of type 1 diabetes; Lower levels of soluble IL-2RA.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Slightly Higher Risk of Autoimmune Diseases
Presence of the T/C genotype is associated with a moderately increased risk of autoimmune conditions. This includes a slight elevation in the risk of multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What this genotype means: Moderately increased risk of multiple sclerosis; Moderately increased risk of type 1 diabetes; Slightly higher levels of soluble IL-2RA.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IL2RA gene encodes the alpha subunit of the interleukin-2 receptor, also known as CD25, which is essential for regulating the immune system [1]. This receptor subunit helps control the balance of T cells, which are crucial for distinguishing between the body's own tissues and foreign invaders [1]. Proper IL2RA function is vital for maintaining self-tolerance and preventing the immune system from attacking healthy cells [2]. Genetic variations in this gene can alter the expression of the receptor on immune cells or affect the levels of its soluble form in the bloodstream [1]. Consequently, these changes can disrupt immune regulation and increase susceptibility to various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions [1].
Variant Impact: Located in the first intron of the IL2RA gene, rs2104286 influences how the gene is expressed and regulated [1]. The genetic change alters the levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha in the blood, which acts as a biomarker of immune activation [3]. It also affects the density of CD25 receptors on the surface of naive T cells, modifying how they respond to immune signals [4]. By altering these immune pathways, the variant shifts the delicate balance between immune activation and self-tolerance [4]. This molecular shift directly influences an individual's susceptibility to multiple autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes [1].
Key Insight: The protective C allele is actually the minor, less common version of this variant, meaning the majority of the population carries the version that increases autoimmune risk.
Location: IL2RA. Chromosome 10 · 10p15.1 · 6.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 68.0%; European 54.7%; African 87.7%; East Asian 75.6%; South Asian 66.5%; Americas 75.8%; Ashkenazi 56.7%; Finnish 66.0%; Middle Eastern 72.3%; Amish 51.4%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 28.1%; European 38.5%; African 11.9%; East Asian 22.7%; South Asian 30.1%; Americas 22.5%; Ashkenazi 37.2%; Finnish 30.5%; Middle Eastern 25.5%; Amish 40.6%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 4.0%; European 6.8%; African 0.4%; East Asian 1.7%; South Asian 3.4%; Americas 1.7%; Ashkenazi 6.1%; Finnish 3.5%; Middle Eastern 2.2%; Amish 8.0%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Autoimmune Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19525953. ~1.15x Risk.
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24449572. ~1.7x Risk.
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
Soluble IL-2RA Levels. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 38565889. Elevated Levels.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 19956099. ~1.6x Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Multiple Sclerosis. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19525953. Lower Risk.
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24449572. Lower Risk.
Soluble IL-2RA Levels. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 38565889. Typical Levels.
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 19956099. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Multiple Sclerosis. Evidence: 7/10. Source: PMID 19525953. Slightly Increased.
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24449572. ~1.4x Risk.
Soluble IL-2RA Levels. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 38565889. Moderately Elevated.
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 19956099. ~1.3x Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
A higher risk of several autoimmune conditions is associated with this genetic profile due to its impact on immune system regulation. Research shows that carrying two copies of the T allele increases the risk of multiple sclerosis by approximately 1.15 to 1.2 times [1]. It is also linked to a roughly 1.6-fold increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes [2]. On a molecular level, this genetic profile is associated with higher levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha in the blood [3]. This soluble form can act as a decoy, binding to interleukin-2 and reducing the signaling needed to maintain regulatory T cells [3]. Without adequate regulatory T cell activity, the immune system is more likely to mistakenly attack the body's own tissues [2]. This genotype also correlates with an increased susceptibility to other inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis [4].
Increased risk of multiple sclerosis; Increased risk of type 1 diabetes; Higher levels of soluble IL-2RA; Increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
A protective effect against several chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is linked to this genetic profile. Carrying two copies of the C allele is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis compared to carrying the T allele [1]. It also provides protection against type 1 diabetes, reducing the risk compared to the common genetic baseline [2]. At the cellular level, this genetic profile is associated with lower levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha in the blood [3]. This reduction helps maintain effective interleukin-2 signaling, which is crucial for the proper function of regulatory T cells that prevent autoimmunity [3]. As a result, the immune system is better equipped to maintain self-tolerance and avoid attacking healthy tissues [2]. This protective effect extends to other inflammatory conditions, including a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis [4].
Lower risk of multiple sclerosis; Lower risk of type 1 diabetes; Lower levels of soluble IL-2RA; Reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
An intermediate risk profile for various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases is characteristic of this genetic makeup. Carrying one copy of the T allele is associated with a moderate increase in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis compared to carrying none [1]. It also confers a roughly 1.3-fold increase in the risk of type 1 diabetes [2]. The presence of the T allele influences the production of soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha, leading to moderately elevated levels in circulation [3]. This elevation can interfere with normal immune signaling pathways, slightly reducing the body's ability to regulate autoimmune responses [3]. Consequently, individuals with this genotype have a slightly higher susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions compared to those with the protective genotype [4]. While the risk is elevated, it is lower than that of individuals carrying two copies of the T allele [2].
Moderately increased risk of multiple sclerosis; Moderately increased risk of type 1 diabetes; Slightly higher levels of soluble IL-2RA; Slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs61839660 · IL2RA Gene · Chr 10 · Autoimmune and Allergy Risk
rs706778 · IL2RA Gene · Chr 10 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
rs706779 · IL2RA Gene · Chr 10 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
Analysis of immune-related loci identifies 48 new susceptibility variants for multiple sclerosis.
Genetic determinants of plasma protein levels in the Estonian population.
The type I diabetes association of the IL2RA locus.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com