What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Immune Response: 5/10 evidence, 51 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Infection Risk but Lower Allergy Susceptibility
An increased risk of tuberculosis and chronic gum disease is associated with this genetic profile. Conversely, it also correlates with lower IgE levels, which may offer protection against certain allergic reactions.
What this genotype means: Higher risk of tuberculosis; Increased susceptibility to chronic gum disease; Poorer response to anti-TNF medications.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Moderate Infection Risk and Poorer Drug Response
A moderately increased risk of certain bacterial infections and a poorer response to anti-TNF therapies are linked to this profile. Allergy risk and IgE levels generally remain near the population average.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher risk of tuberculosis; Poorer response to anti-TNF therapies; Typical risk of allergic sensitization.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Lower Infection Risk but Higher Allergy Susceptibility
Protection against tuberculosis and chronic gum disease is a key feature of this genetic profile. However, it is also linked to higher IgE levels, which can increase the risk of developing allergies.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of tuberculosis; Reduced risk of chronic gum disease; Better response to anti-TNF medications.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CD14 gene encodes a key pattern recognition receptor of the innate immune system [1]. It is primarily expressed on the surface of monocytes and macrophages, where it co-operates with Toll-like receptors to detect bacterial lipopolysaccharides [1]. By binding to these bacterial components, CD14 helps initiate the body's inflammatory response to clear infections [2]. It also exists in a soluble form in the blood, which helps modulate immune responses throughout the body [3].
Variant Impact: The rs2569190 variant, also known as C-260T or C-159T, is located in the promoter region of the CD14 gene [4]. This genetic change alters the transcriptional activity of the promoter, directly influencing how much CD14 protein is produced [4]. The A allele (corresponding to the T variant) is associated with increased transcriptional activity and higher levels of soluble CD14 [3]. This alteration in receptor levels shifts the balance of the immune system, affecting susceptibility to both allergic diseases and bacterial infections [5].
Key Insight: This variant acts as an evolutionary trade-off, where the allele that helps protect against allergies simultaneously increases susceptibility to severe bacterial infections like tuberculosis.
Location: CD14. Chromosome 5 · 5q31.3 · 140.6 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 19.5%; European 22.6%; African 10.7%; East Asian 31.0%; South Asian 28.4%; Americas 22.1%; Ashkenazi 22.2%; Finnish 14.0%; Middle Eastern 33.0%; Amish 63.3%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 47.9%; European 49.9%; African 44.1%; East Asian 49.3%; South Asian 49.8%; Americas 49.8%; Ashkenazi 49.8%; Finnish 46.8%; Middle Eastern 48.9%; Amish 32.5%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 32.6%; European 27.5%; African 45.2%; East Asian 19.6%; South Asian 21.8%; Americas 28.1%; Ashkenazi 27.9%; Finnish 39.2%; Middle Eastern 18.1%; Amish 4.2%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Infection Susceptibility & Resistance
Tuberculosis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 23741383. Increased Risk.
Allergy & Hypersensitivity
Allergy Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 30288821. Lower IgE Levels.
Organ Systems
Dental & Oral Health
Periodontitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 28829191. Increased Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Immunosuppressant & Biologic Response
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24776844. Poorer Response.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Allergy Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 30288821. Typical IgE Levels.
Periodontitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 28829191. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Tuberculosis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 23741383. Typical Risk.
Allergy Susceptibility. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 30288821. Higher IgE Levels.
Anti-TNF Drug Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 24776844. Typical Response.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Soluble CD14 levels in the blood are often elevated in those who inherit two copies of the A allele [1]. While this active immune state helps lower overall IgE levels and reduces the risk of allergic sensitization [2], it paradoxically increases susceptibility to certain chronic infections. Specifically, clinical studies have linked this genotype to a significantly higher risk of developing tuberculosis [3] and chronic periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease [4]. Additionally, individuals with this genotype may experience a poorer response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions [5].
Higher risk of tuberculosis; Increased susceptibility to chronic gum disease; Poorer response to anti-TNF medications; Lower IgE levels and reduced allergy risk.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Inheriting a single copy of the A allele results in intermediate levels of CD14 expression, which influences how the body responds to bacterial pathogens [1]. Research indicates that individuals with this heterozygous genotype have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis compared to those with the G/G genotype [2]. This genotype is also associated with a reduced response rate to anti-TNF therapies, which are commonly prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune conditions [3]. Unlike the homozygous A/A genotype, this intermediate state does not consistently provide the benefit of significantly lower IgE levels or reduced allergy risk [4].
Moderately higher risk of tuberculosis; Poorer response to anti-TNF therapies; Typical risk of allergic sensitization.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Lower baseline levels of soluble CD14 in the bloodstream are characteristic of this homozygous state [1]. This lower expression profile appears to be protective against certain chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, resulting in a lower risk of tuberculosis [2] and chronic periodontitis [3]. Individuals with this genotype also tend to show a better clinical response to anti-TNF therapies for inflammatory conditions [4]. However, the trade-off is an increased susceptibility to allergic sensitization, as this genotype is linked to higher total IgE levels in the blood [5].
Lower risk of tuberculosis; Reduced risk of chronic gum disease; Better response to anti-TNF medications; Higher IgE levels and increased allergy risk.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs11071559 · RORA Gene · Chr 15 · Asthma Risk
rs1837253 · TSLP Gene · Chr 5 · Asthma and Allergy Risk
rs20541 · IL13 Gene · Chr 5 · Asthma and Eczema Risk
Functional impact of endotoxin receptor CD14 polymorphisms on transcriptional activity.
The CD14 rs2569190 TT Genotype is Associated with Chronic Periodontitis.
Content updated August 2026.
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