What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Hepatitis B Risk: 9/10 evidence, 33 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lower Hepatitis B Risk and Stronger Vaccine Response
This genotype is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing chronic hepatitis B and a more robust antibody response to the hepatitis B vaccine.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of chronic hepatitis B; Stronger antibody response to vaccination.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Typical Hepatitis B Risk and Vaccine Response
Carrying one copy of each allele provides a balanced immune profile with typical susceptibility to hepatitis B and standard vaccine responsiveness.
What this genotype means: Typical risk of chronic hepatitis B; Standard response to hepatitis B vaccination.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Hepatitis B Risk and Weaker Vaccine Response
This genotype is associated with an increased risk of persistent or chronic hepatitis B infection and a lower likelihood of developing strong antibody protection from the vaccine.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of chronic hepatitis B; Weaker antibody response to vaccination.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The HLA-DPB1 gene encodes a critical component of the human leukocyte antigen class II complex, which plays a central role in the immune system. This complex is responsible for presenting foreign antigens, such as viral proteins, to T-helper cells to initiate an immune response [1]. Proper antigen presentation is essential for clearing infections and developing long-term immunity [2]. Variations in this gene can significantly affect how well the immune system recognizes specific pathogens, particularly the hepatitis B virus [3]. Consequently, HLA-DPB1 is a major genetic determinant of infectious disease susceptibility and vaccine efficacy [4].
Variant Impact: The rs9277535 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located in the 3 prime untranslated region of the HLA-DPB1 gene. This specific genetic change influences the expression levels of the HLA-DPB1 messenger RNA in liver tissues [5]. Lower expression of this molecule can impair the presentation of viral antigens, making it harder for the body to clear certain infections [6]. Conversely, higher expression levels are associated with more effective immune surveillance and viral clearance [3]. This variant is particularly well-studied in Asian populations, where it represents a key genetic marker for hepatitis B outcomes [1].
Key Insight: This genetic variant influences both your natural ability to clear the hepatitis B virus and how strongly your immune system responds to the hepatitis B vaccine.
Location: HLA-DPB1. Chromosome 6 · 6p21.32 · 33.1 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 56.6%; European 57.0%; African 57.4%; East Asian 14.1%; South Asian 53.9%; Americas 58.5%; Ashkenazi 68.5%; Finnish 63.8%; Middle Eastern 58.8%; Amish 80.4%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 36.6%; European 37.0%; African 36.7%; East Asian 46.9%; South Asian 39.0%; Americas 36.0%; Ashkenazi 28.5%; Finnish 32.1%; Middle Eastern 35.7%; Amish 18.5%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 6.9%; European 6.0%; African 5.9%; East Asian 39.0%; South Asian 7.1%; Americas 5.5%; Ashkenazi 3.0%; Finnish 4.0%; Middle Eastern 5.4%; Amish 1.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Immunity & Inflammation
Infection Susceptibility & Resistance
Hepatitis B. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 19349983. Lower Risk.
Vaccine Response. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21764829. Stronger Response.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Hepatitis B. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 19349983. Typical Risk.
Vaccine Response. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21764829. Typical Response.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Hepatitis B. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 19349983. ~1.6x Higher Risk.
Vaccine Response. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21764829. Weaker Response.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Lower risk of chronic hepatitis B infection is the primary feature of this genotype [1]. The immune system is highly efficient at presenting hepatitis B viral antigens, which facilitates spontaneous clearance of the virus if exposed [2]. Furthermore, this genetic profile is linked to a significantly stronger antibody response following hepatitis B vaccination [3]. This means the vaccine is highly likely to provide robust, long-term protective immunity [3]. Overall, the protective benefits against hepatitis B represent a major health advantage, especially in regions where the virus is common [4]. Maintaining standard vaccination records and routine health checkups remains the best practice for overall wellness.
Lower risk of chronic hepatitis B; Stronger antibody response to vaccination.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Typical baseline risk of hepatitis B infection characterizes this heterozygous genotype [1]. The immune system expresses a balanced level of HLA-DPB1 molecules, resulting in standard antigen presentation capabilities [2]. Response to the hepatitis B vaccine is generally typical, with most people developing adequate protective antibody levels [3]. Spontaneous clearance rates of the virus are also within the average range for the general population [4]. While there is no elevated risk of chronic infection, there is also no exceptional genetic protection [1]. Standard preventative measures, such as completing the recommended vaccine series, are highly effective [3]. This genotype represents the most common genetic profile in many global populations.
Typical risk of chronic hepatitis B; Standard response to hepatitis B vaccination.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Higher risk of developing a persistent, chronic hepatitis B infection is associated with this genotype [1]. The immune system may express lower levels of the HLA-DPB1 molecule, which can hinder the effective presentation of viral antigens to T cells [2]. Consequently, if exposed to the virus, the body is less likely to clear it spontaneously, increasing the chance of lifelong infection [3]. Additionally, this genetic profile is linked to a weaker antibody response to the hepatitis B vaccine, meaning standard vaccination might be less effective at inducing full immunity [4]. Knowing this status can help healthcare providers optimize immunization strategies, such as checking antibody titers after vaccination [4]. Standard precautions against viral exposure remain highly recommended.
Increased risk of chronic hepatitis B; Weaker antibody response to vaccination.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10484554 · HLA-C Gene · Chr 6 · Psoriasis Risk
rs11052877 · CD69 Gene · Chr 12 · Thyroid Disease Risk
rs1800973 · LYZ Gene · Chr 12 · Mouth Ulcer Risk
A novel variant marking HLA-DP expression levels predicts recovery from hepatitis B virus infection.
Content updated August 2026.
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