What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Autoimmune and Allergy Risk: 8/10 evidence, 19 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Lower Risk of Inflammatory Conditions
Standard genetic patterns at this position support typical immune system regulation. This translates to a lower likelihood of developing inflammatory skin and airway conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and asthma.
What this genotype means: Typical risk of type 1 diabetes; Lower risk of psoriasis and eczema; Lower risk of asthma and allergies.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Higher Risk of Inflammatory Conditions
Carrying one copy of the minor allele alters immune cell signaling. This change is associated with an increased susceptibility to inflammatory and allergic conditions, including eczema, asthma, and psoriasis.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of psoriasis and eczema; Increased risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis; Moderately lower risk of type 1 diabetes.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower Diabetes Risk but Higher Allergy Risk
Two copies of the minor allele significantly influence how immune cells respond to signaling molecules. This genotype provides strong protection against type 1 diabetes but substantially increases the risk of inflammatory and allergic diseases.
What this genotype means: Significantly lower risk of type 1 diabetes; Highest risk of psoriasis, eczema, and asthma; Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IL2RA gene encodes the alpha chain of the interleukin-2 receptor, also known as CD25 [1]. This receptor is a critical component of the immune system, particularly in regulating the activity of T cells [1]. It helps maintain the delicate balance between active immune responses and the prevention of autoimmunity [2]. Proper functioning of this gene is essential for the survival and maintenance of regulatory T cells, which suppress excessive inflammation [2]. Disruptions or variations in this gene are frequently linked to multiple autoimmune and inflammatory disorders [1].
Variant Impact: The rs61839660 variant is an intronic change located within the IL2RA gene. This genetic variation acts as a regulatory modifier, altering the expression levels of the CD25 protein on the surface of immune cells [1]. The minor T allele has been shown to enhance CD25 expression on effector T cells, making them more sensitive to interleukin-2 signaling [1]. This heightened sensitivity promotes a more active, pro-inflammatory state that can trigger tissue-specific inflammation [1]. Conversely, the major C allele is associated with lower CD25 expression, which reduces protection against certain autoimmune attacks [2].
Key Insight: This variant represents a direct evolutionary trade-off where the same genetic change that protects against type 1 diabetes simultaneously increases the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and asthma.
Location: IL2RA. Chromosome 10 · 10p15.1 · 6.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 89.1%; European 82.8%; African 96.6%; East Asian 99.8%; South Asian 90.4%; Americas 91.0%; Ashkenazi 85.7%; Finnish 93.2%; Middle Eastern 90.7%; Amish 73.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 10.5%; European 16.4%; African 3.3%; East Asian 0.2%; South Asian 9.3%; Americas 8.8%; Ashkenazi 13.8%; Finnish 6.7%; Middle Eastern 9.1%; Amish 24.1%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 0.4%; European 0.8%; African < 0.1%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 0.2%; Americas 0.2%; Ashkenazi 0.6%; Finnish 0.1%; Middle Eastern 0.2%; Amish 2.0%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 22293688. Typical Risk.
Organ Systems
Skin & Hair Conditions
Psoriasis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 26974007. Typical Risk.
Eczema. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30595370. Typical Risk.
Respiratory Health
Asthma. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29785011. Typical Risk.
Immunity & Inflammation
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 37262302. Typical Risk.
Allergy & Hypersensitivity
Allergic Rhinitis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31361310. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Type 1 Diabetes. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 22293688. Lower Risk.
Psoriasis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 26974007. Increased Risk.
Eczema. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30595370. Increased Risk.
Asthma. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29785011. Increased Risk.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 37262302. Increased Risk.
Allergic Rhinitis. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 31361310. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the major C allele represents the most common genetic profile globally. This baseline genotype is associated with standard levels of CD25 expression on immune cells, maintaining typical T cell behavior. Because there is no enhancement of pro-inflammatory effector T cells, this profile is linked to a lower risk of inflammatory conditions like psoriasis [1]. It also keeps the risk of developing asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis at typical population levels [2]. However, this common profile lacks the protective effect against type 1 diabetes that is provided by the minor allele [3]. Large-scale genetic studies confirm that individuals with this genotype have a standard baseline risk for type 1 diabetes [3]. Overall, this genetic makeup favors a less reactive immune system, reducing the likelihood of chronic inflammatory and allergic flare-ups.
Typical risk of type 1 diabetes; Lower risk of psoriasis and eczema; Lower risk of asthma and allergies.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Carrying a single copy of the minor T allele introduces a distinct shift in immune system dynamics. This heterozygous profile leads to moderately increased expression of CD25 on effector T cells, making them more responsive to inflammatory signals. Consequently, this genotype is associated with an elevated risk of developing psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory skin conditions [1]. It also increases susceptibility to respiratory and allergic issues, such as asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis [2]. On the other hand, this altered immune response provides a protective benefit against type 1 diabetes [3]. The moderate increase in T cell activation appears to help prevent the specific autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells [3]. While the risk of allergies and skin inflammation is higher, the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes is significantly reduced compared to the common genotype.
Increased risk of psoriasis and eczema; Increased risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis; Moderately lower risk of type 1 diabetes.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Possessing two copies of the minor T allele maximizes the regulatory changes associated with this variant. This genotype significantly enhances CD25 expression, leading to highly sensitive and active effector T cells. This hyper-responsive state is strongly linked to an increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly psoriasis [1]. It also substantially raises the likelihood of experiencing asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis [2]. Furthermore, this profile is associated with a higher risk of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease [3]. However, this intense immune activity provides the strongest genetic protection against type 1 diabetes [4]. By altering the sensitivity of regulatory T cells, this genotype helps shield the pancreas from autoimmune damage [4]. It represents a classic genetic trade-off, offering robust protection against one autoimmune disease at the cost of increased susceptibility to several inflammatory and allergic conditions.
Significantly lower risk of type 1 diabetes; Highest risk of psoriasis, eczema, and asthma; Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs706778 · IL2RA Gene · Chr 10 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
rs2104286 · IL2RA Gene · Chr 10 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
rs706779 · IL2RA Gene · Chr 10 · Autoimmune Disease Risk
Complex genetic signatures in immune cells underlie autoimmunity and inform therapy.
A multi-ancestry genome-wide association study in type 1 diabetes.
Content updated August 2026.
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