What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Infection Defense: 5/10 evidence, 51 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Weaker Infection Defense but Lower Inflammatory Risk
This genotype results in lower production of interferon gamma, which can weaken your defense against certain infections while offering protection against inflammatory disorders.
What this genotype means: Higher susceptibility to active tuberculosis; Increased risk of persistent HPV infection; Lower risk of inflammatory conditions.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Stronger Infection Defense but Higher Inflammatory Risk
This genotype leads to high production of interferon gamma, enhancing your body's ability to clear viral and bacterial pathogens. However, this active immune state is linked to a higher risk of inflammatory conditions.
What this genotype means: Stronger defense against tuberculosis; Lower risk of persistent HPV infection; Slightly higher risk of inflammatory conditions.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/A
Balanced Infection Defense and Moderate Inflammatory Risk
This genotype produces intermediate to high levels of interferon gamma, offering a balanced immune response that protects against infections while keeping inflammatory risks moderate.
What this genotype means: Effective defense against tuberculosis; Lower risk of persistent HPV infection; Better response to anti-TNF therapies.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IFNG gene encodes interferon gamma, a critical cytokine that coordinates the body's primary defense against viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections [1]. It is produced mainly by natural killer cells and T lymphocytes to activate macrophages and enhance antigen presentation. This cytokine plays a dual role, acting as a powerful weapon against pathogens while also driving inflammatory pathways [2]. Proper regulation of interferon gamma is essential, as excessive levels can contribute to autoimmune and inflammatory conditions [3].
Variant Impact: The rs2430561 variant, located in the first intron of the IFNG gene, directly alters a binding site for the transcription factor NF-kappaB. The A allele maintains an intact binding site, leading to high expression and secretion of interferon gamma. Conversely, the T allele reduces binding affinity, resulting in lower production of this vital cytokine. This single genetic change consequently influences how effectively the immune system clears infections and regulates inflammation [1].
Key Insight: Carrying the A allele boosts your body's natural ability to fight off intracellular pathogens like tuberculosis, but this highly active immune state can slightly increase the risk of inflammatory conditions.
Location: IFNG. Chromosome 12 · 12q15 · 68.2 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 41.9%; European 28.8%; African 59.9%; East Asian 71.6%; South Asian 37.7%; Americas 45.6%; Ashkenazi 31.1%; Finnish 43.9%; Middle Eastern 26.7%; Amish 24.1%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 43.8%; European 49.7%; African 35.0%; East Asian 26.0%; South Asian 47.4%; Americas 43.9%; Ashkenazi 49.3%; Finnish 44.7%; Middle Eastern 49.9%; Amish 50.0%.
Estimated TA genotype frequency.
Global 14.3%; European 21.5%; African 5.1%; East Asian 2.4%; South Asian 14.9%; Americas 10.5%; Ashkenazi 19.5%; Finnish 11.4%; Middle Eastern 23.3%; Amish 25.9%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Infection Susceptibility & Resistance
Tuberculosis. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21332391. Increased Risk.
Cancer & Oncology
Gynecological Cancers
Cervical Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 25649976. Increased Risk.
Neurology & Mental Health
Mood Disorders
Bipolar Disorder. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21728784. Reduced Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Immunosuppressant & Biologic Response
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24776844. Stronger Response.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Tuberculosis. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21332391. Reduced Risk.
Cervical Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 25649976. Reduced Risk.
Bipolar Disorder. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 21728784. Increased Risk.
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24776844. Typical Response.
Showing effects for T/A genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the T allele reduces the binding efficiency of transcription factors, leading to lower baseline and stimulated levels of interferon gamma. This low-producing state compromises the body's ability to fight off intracellular pathogens, significantly increasing susceptibility to active tuberculosis [1]. It also hinders the clearance of viral infections, which is linked to a higher risk of persistent HPV and cervical cancer [2]. On the positive side, this quieter immune profile is protective against inflammatory conditions, showing a lower risk of developing bipolar disorder [3]. Additionally, individuals with this genotype tend to show a significantly better response to anti-TNF-alpha therapies when treating inflammatory diseases [4].
Higher susceptibility to active tuberculosis; Increased risk of persistent HPV infection; Lower risk of inflammatory conditions.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the A allele ensures optimal binding of transcription factors, resulting in robust production of interferon gamma. This high-producing state provides significant protection against intracellular pathogens, notably reducing the risk of active tuberculosis [1]. It also aids the immune system in clearing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, lowering the risk of cervical cancer [2]. However, the resulting pro-inflammatory environment is associated with an increased susceptibility to bipolar disorder [3]. Additionally, individuals with this genotype may experience a typical, rather than enhanced, response to anti-TNF therapies [4].
Stronger defense against tuberculosis; Lower risk of persistent HPV infection; Slightly higher risk of inflammatory conditions.
Sample genotype: TA (Heterozygous)
Carrying one T and one A allele results in intermediate to high levels of interferon gamma production. This balanced immune profile is sufficient to provide protective benefits against major pathogens, reducing the likelihood of developing active tuberculosis [1]. It also supports the clearance of viral infections like HPV, which helps protect against cervical cancer [2]. While the presence of the T allele slightly increases the risk of inflammatory conditions like bipolar disorder, the risk is often more moderate than in T/T homozygotes [3]. Furthermore, clinical studies suggest that individuals with this genotype may respond more favorably to anti-TNF-alpha inhibitor treatments [4].
Effective defense against tuberculosis; Lower risk of persistent HPV infection; Better response to anti-TNF therapies.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1861494 · IFNG Gene · Chr 12 · Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk
rs2069705 · IFNG Gene · Chr 12 · Immune Response and Infection
rs2069718 · IFNG Gene · Chr 12 · Immune Response and Infection
The T allele of the interferon-gamma +874A/T polymorphism is associated with bipolar disorder.
Content updated August 2026.
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