What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Autoimmune Disease Risk: 5/10 evidence, 38 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Graves' Risk but Lower Bowel Inflammation Risk
This genotype is associated with an increased risk of Graves' disease, particularly thyroid-associated eye complications. Conversely, it offers relative protection against inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis.
What this genotype means: Increased susceptibility to Graves' disease and thyroid-associated eye inflammation; Lower risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; Typical baseline risk for psoriasis.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Increased Risk for Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions
Carrying one copy of each allele increases your susceptibility to both thyroid-related autoimmunity and inflammatory bowel diseases.
What this genotype means: Elevated risk for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; Increased risk for Graves' disease and thyroid-associated orbitopathy; Slightly higher susceptibility to psoriasis.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Risk for Inflammatory Bowel and Skin Conditions
This genotype is linked to an increased risk of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis, but offers protection against autoimmune thyroid issues.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; Higher susceptibility to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; Typical baseline risk for Graves' disease.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IL23R gene encodes a subunit of the receptor for interleukin-23, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that drives immune responses. This receptor is highly expressed on T cells and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the inflammatory cascade in mucosal tissues and skin. When active, the IL-23 pathway promotes the survival and expansion of Th17 cells, which coordinate defenses against pathogens but can also cause tissue damage if unchecked. Consequently, genetic variations in IL23R are heavily implicated in susceptibility to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Variant Impact: The rs2201841 variant is an intronic change located within the IL23R gene on chromosome 1. Although it does not alter the amino acid sequence of the receptor, it is believed to influence gene expression or splicing patterns. This genetic variation acts as a molecular pivot, shifting susceptibility between different types of autoimmune responses. One allele increases the risk of gut and skin inflammation, while the alternative allele predisposes individuals to thyroid-related autoimmunity.
Key Insight: This variant represents a genetic trade-off where protecting yourself from inflammatory bowel conditions simultaneously increases your susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease.
Location: IL23R. Chromosome 1 · 1p31.3 · 67.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 52.4%; European 48.5%; African 70.0%; East Asian 7.6%; South Asian 17.1%; Americas 53.8%; Ashkenazi 43.8%; Finnish 49.9%; Middle Eastern 30.7%; Amish 47.6%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 38.0%; European 42.3%; African 27.4%; East Asian 39.9%; South Asian 48.5%; Americas 39.1%; Ashkenazi 44.8%; Finnish 41.5%; Middle Eastern 49.4%; Amish 42.8%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 9.6%; European 9.2%; African 2.7%; East Asian 52.5%; South Asian 34.4%; Americas 7.1%; Ashkenazi 11.4%; Finnish 8.6%; Middle Eastern 19.9%; Amish 9.6%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Crohn's Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 17804789. Typical Risk.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 20228799. Typical Risk.
Autoimmune Diseases
Graves' Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19021011. ~2.4x Increased Risk.
Organ Systems
Skin & Hair Conditions
Psoriasis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19169254. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Crohn's Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 17804789. ~1.5x Increased Risk.
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 20228799. Slightly Increased.
Graves' Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19021011. ~2x Increased Risk.
Psoriasis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19169254. Slightly Increased.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Ulcerative Colitis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 20228799. Increased Risk.
Graves' Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 19021011. Typical Risk.
Psoriasis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 19169254. ~1.13x Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Having two copies of the A allele places you at a higher risk for Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid. Studies suggest this genotype is associated with a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing Graves' ophthalmopathy, where immune cells attack tissues around the eyes. This susceptibility is driven by altered signaling in the interleukin-23 pathway, which can promote localized inflammation. On the positive side, this genotype is protective against several chronic inflammatory conditions. You have a lower, typical baseline risk for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis compared to carriers of the G allele. This genetic profile highlights a clear trade-off in immune system sensitivity.
Increased susceptibility to Graves' disease and thyroid-associated eye inflammation; Lower risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; Typical baseline risk for psoriasis.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
This heterozygous genotype places you in a middle ground where you inherit risks from both alleles. You carry a 2-fold increased risk for Graves' disease and its associated eye complications due to the presence of the A allele. Simultaneously, the presence of the G allele elevates your risk for Crohn's disease by approximately 1.5-fold. The G allele also slightly increases your susceptibility to other chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. This occurs because the hybrid genetic profile can support multiple distinct inflammatory pathways. While having these risk alleles does not guarantee you will develop any condition, it indicates a more reactive immune system. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and monitoring for symptoms of gut or thyroid issues is a sensible approach.
Elevated risk for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; Increased risk for Graves' disease and thyroid-associated orbitopathy; Slightly higher susceptibility to psoriasis.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the G allele increases your susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut and skin. Research indicates a 1.5-fold increased risk for Crohn's disease compared to the general population. This genotype also predisposes you to ulcerative colitis and psoriasis, as the G allele promotes a more active IL-23 inflammatory pathway. This pathway is responsible for recruiting immune cells that cause chronic tissue inflammation in the intestines and skin barrier. However, this active state does not extend to all tissues. You have a typical, lower baseline risk for Graves' disease and its associated eye complications. This genetic profile represents a common evolutionary trade-off in immune system regulation.
Increased risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; Higher susceptibility to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; Typical baseline risk for Graves' disease.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs11209026 · IL23R Gene · Chr 1 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
rs7517847 · IL23R Gene · Chr 1 · Crohn Disease Risk
rs11465804 · IL23R Gene · Chr 1 · Inflammatory Disease Risk
Content updated August 2026.
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