IL4 rs10062446: What Your Genotype Means
The rs10062446 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism located near the IL4 gene. It has been investigated in limited research for its potential association with susceptibility to immediate allergic reactions to penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.
What each genotype means
Typical penicillin hypersensitivity likelihood
You carry two copies of the common C allele at this position in the IL4 gene. Published preliminary research has not linked this baseline genotype with an increased statistical likelihood of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding your antibiotic history and medication choices.
Carried by approximately 60% to 70% of individuals across most global populations.
Modestly elevated penicillin allergy susceptibility
You carry one copy of the T risk allele at rs10062446, which candidate-gene research has associated with a modest statistical increase in self-reported immediate allergic reactions to penicillin. However, the available scientific evidence remains limited, and having this genetic marker does not diagnose an allergy nor guarantee an adverse reaction. Please discuss any prior drug reactions or antibiotic choices directly with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Carried by roughly 25% to 35% of individuals worldwide, with minor allele frequencies between 0.15 and 0.25.
Elevated penicillin allergy susceptibility
You carry two copies of the T risk allele at rs10062446, an IL4 intronic variant associated in small candidate-gene studies with higher odds of immediate-type allergic reactions to penicillin and related beta-lactam antibiotics. Because clinical evidence is limited and cannot confirm or rule out an active drug allergy, this genotype should not be used alone to guide therapy. Be sure to review any antibiotic allergies and dosing decisions with your prescribing physician or pharmacist.
Carried by approximately 2% to 6% of people globally.
Understanding the Variant
The variant rs10062446 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located on chromosome 5. While it is often discussed in the context of the IL4 gene, it is technically situated within the KIF3A gene region. However, this region is part of a known linkage disequilibrium block, meaning that rs10062446 is frequently inherited alongside variations in the nearby IL4 gene. In genomics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence, where one nucleotide is replaced by another. Because this variant sits in a region associated with immune regulation, researchers have hypothesized that it might influence how the body responds to certain environmental triggers, such as medications.
The Role of IL4
The IL4 gene encodes Interleukin-4, a critical cytokine produced by activated T cells, mast cells, and eosinophils. This protein acts as a key signaling molecule in the immune system, particularly in driving the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is the antibody class responsible for triggering allergic responses. By promoting IgE class switching in B cells, IL4 plays a central role in the development of atopic conditions. Because of its influence on the immune system's sensitivity, variations in or near the IL4 gene are frequently studied to understand why some individuals may be more prone to hypersensitivity reactions than others.
Research and Evidence
The association between rs10062446 and penicillin allergy is based on limited evidence from small-scale studies. One notable study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology examined a small cohort of 23 cases and 39 controls, finding a statistical association between this SNP and self-reported penicillin allergy. While the addition of this variant to clinical models improved the statistical fit of the data in that specific study, the evidence remains preliminary. It is important to note that these findings have not been widely replicated in large-scale, diverse populations. Consequently, the clinical utility of this variant for predicting drug allergies is currently considered low, and it is not used in routine clinical practice.
Interpreting Your Results
If you have received information about your rs10062446 genotype, it is essential to understand that this is not a diagnostic tool. Genetic associations are statistical observations across populations and do not predict individual health outcomes. A specific genotype does not guarantee that you will or will not have an allergic reaction to a medication. If you are concerned about potential drug allergies, you must consult with a board-certified allergist or your primary care physician. They can perform validated clinical tests, such as skin prick tests or graded challenges, which are the gold standard for diagnosing medication allergies. Never change your medication regimen or avoid prescribed antibiotics based on genetic test results without professional medical guidance.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele frequency for rs10062446 is approximately 0.15 to 0.25 across various global populations, making it a relatively common variant.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this test to see if I am allergic to penicillin?
No. Genetic testing for rs10062446 is not a diagnostic test for penicillin allergy. If you suspect you have an allergy, you should speak with an allergist for proper clinical evaluation.
Is rs10062446 located inside the IL4 gene?
While often associated with IL4 in research, the SNP is technically located in the KIF3A gene. It is studied alongside IL4 because they are inherited together in the same genomic region.
What should I do if I have the T allele?
The presence of a specific allele does not require any medical action. You should continue to follow your doctor's advice regarding medications and report any history of allergic reactions to your healthcare provider.
Is the evidence for this variant strong?
The evidence is considered limited. The initial associations were found in small studies, and more research is needed to confirm the clinical significance of this variant.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/13/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Variant within the IL4 gene region significantly associated with risk of penicillin hypersensitivity and immediate allergic reactions.
Promoter variant (C-590T) in IL4; while historically linked to IgE production and asthma, findings remain inconsistent across diverse ethnic populations.
Intron-1 polymorphism in IL4; studies on its association with IgE levels and allergy susceptibility have yielded inconsistent results across populations.
Promoter polymorphism (-589C>T) that enhances IL-4 transcription and elevates total serum IgE, conferring heightened susceptibility to atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma.
Located in the Th2 cytokine locus between IL4 and KIF3A, this variant is robustly associated with overall food allergy risk independent of atopic dermatitis status.