IL1RL1 rs13431828: What Your Genotype Means
The rs13431828 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the IL1RL1 gene. It has been identified in scientific research as being associated with childhood asthma susceptibility and the regulation of immune responses.
What each genotype means
Increased asthma exacerbation risk
Research indicates that the C allele of rs13431828 is associated with a higher likelihood of asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations. This genotype may influence the regulation of IL1RL1 expression, which plays a role in immune response. Please discuss your respiratory health and any asthma management plans with your clinician.
This is a common genotype found in diverse populations, though exact frequencies vary by ancestry.
Intermediate asthma risk profile
Carrying one copy of the C allele and one copy of the T allele suggests an intermediate association with asthma-related outcomes compared to those with two copies of the risk allele. The functional impact of this variant is linked to the regulation of IL1RL1, a gene involved in airway inflammation. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your personal health history and asthma risk.
This heterozygous genotype is frequently observed across many global populations.
Baseline asthma risk profile
The T allele is generally considered the non-risk or baseline allele in studies examining the association between rs13431828 and asthma exacerbations. Individuals with this genotype do not carry the specific variant associated with increased hospitalizations in the cited research. As with all genetic findings, this should be viewed in the context of your overall health and clinical history.
This genotype is common and widely distributed across various ancestral groups.
Understanding the rs13431828 Variant
The rs13431828 variant is a specific genetic change, or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), located on chromosome 2 within the IL1RL1 gene. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. Researchers study these variants to understand how subtle differences in our genetic code might influence biological traits or disease risk. The rs13431828 marker is frequently investigated in the context of respiratory health and immune system function. Because it sits within a region of the genome known for complex regulatory activity, scientists often use it as a 'tag' to study larger blocks of DNA that are inherited together. By analyzing this specific location, researchers can better map the genetic architecture that contributes to immune-related conditions, providing a clearer picture of how our DNA influences our body's response to environmental triggers.
The Role of the IL1RL1 Gene
The IL1RL1 gene provides instructions for creating the ST2 receptor, which plays a critical role in the body's immune system. This receptor interacts with a protein called IL-33, which acts as an 'alarmin'—a signal released by cells when they are damaged or stressed. When IL-33 binds to the ST2 receptor, it triggers a signaling pathway that promotes type 2 inflammation, a type of immune response often involved in allergic conditions and asthma. The gene also produces a soluble form of the receptor, known as sST2, which acts as a decoy. This decoy binds to IL-33 before it can reach the cell-surface receptor, effectively dampening or inhibiting the inflammatory signal. Because of this dual role in both activating and regulating inflammation, variations in the IL1RL1 gene can influence how strongly the body reacts to immune stimuli, potentially affecting the severity of inflammatory conditions.
Research Associations and Evidence
Scientific research, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has consistently linked variants in the IL1RL1 gene to asthma susceptibility. Specifically, the rs13431828 variant has been studied for its potential role in childhood asthma and the frequency of asthma exacerbations. Some studies have observed that the C allele of this SNP is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related hospitalizations or emergency room visits in children using inhaled corticosteroids. Furthermore, research suggests that these variants may influence the levels of sST2 protein in the blood, which in turn affects the regulation of type 2 inflammation. While the evidence for an association with asthma is considered moderate and reproducible across various populations, it is important to note that asthma is a complex, multifactorial condition. Genetics is only one piece of the puzzle; environmental factors, lifestyle, and other genetic markers also play significant roles in determining an individual's health outcomes.
Population Frequency
The rs13431828 variant is considered a common genetic marker. Its frequency varies across different ancestral populations, which is a standard observation for many SNPs identified in large-scale genetic studies. Because it is common, many individuals carry at least one copy of the variant, and it is widely distributed across global populations. Researchers often account for these frequency differences when conducting studies to ensure that the observed associations are robust and not merely artifacts of population structure. While the variant is common, the specific impact it has on an individual's health can still vary significantly due to the interplay between genetics and the environment. Understanding that this is a common variant helps researchers contextualize its role as a potential contributor to population-level health trends rather than a rare, high-impact mutation that guarantees a specific health outcome.
What This Information Means for You
It is important to understand that genetic associations like those found for rs13431828 are statistical observations made at the population level, not diagnostic tools for individuals. Having a specific genotype does not mean you will develop a condition, nor does it guarantee protection from one. This information is intended for educational purposes to help you understand the current state of genomic research. If you have concerns about asthma, respiratory health, or how your genetics might influence your response to medications, you should discuss these topics with a qualified healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide personalized medical advice based on your clinical history, symptoms, and current health status. Never use genetic information to make decisions about your medical treatment or to self-diagnose. Always rely on professional clinical guidance for managing your health and any prescribed therapies.
How common is this variant?
The rs13431828 variant is a common SNP found across diverse human populations, with varying allele frequencies observed between different ancestral groups.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs13431828 a diagnostic test for asthma?
No, rs13431828 is not a diagnostic test. Asthma is a complex condition influenced by many genes and environmental factors, and this SNP only provides a statistical association at the population level.
Can I use this information to change my asthma medication?
No. You should never change your medication based on genetic information. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your prescribed treatment plan.
What does the IL1RL1 gene do?
The IL1RL1 gene encodes the ST2 receptor, which helps regulate the body's immune response to inflammation. It plays a key role in the signaling pathways associated with type 2 inflammation.
Why is this variant linked to childhood asthma?
Research suggests that variants in the IL1RL1 gene may affect the expression of the ST2 receptor or its decoy, sST2. This can alter how the immune system responds to triggers, potentially increasing susceptibility to asthma.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/12/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs13431828?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants in IL1RL1
An intergenic regulatory variant upstream of IL1RL1 that influences circulating soluble ST2 levels and severity of allergic rhinitis.
This variant in the IL1RL1/IL18R1 locus influences ST2 receptor expression and modifies individual susceptibility to allergic sensitization and asthma.
Intronic regulatory variant in the IL1RL1/IL18R1 cluster modulating ST2 receptor expression.
ST2/interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 variant associated with altered IL-33 signaling and heightened risk for allergic asthma and atopy.
A well-replicated regulatory variant within the ST2/IL1RL1 gene locus associated with allergic rhinitis, eosinophil count regulation, and atopic asthma susceptibility.
The A allele of this IL1RL1 variant is positively associated with increased IL-5 production, a key cytokine in allergic inflammation.