inflammation & autoimmunity

allergies

CXCR5

The Relationship Between Immune System Interactions and Allergic Diseases (CXCR5)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on October 21st, 2020

The CXCR5 gene codes for a protein that is involved in the release of antibodies. Read more to learn how variants of CXCR5 might increase the risk of allergies.

Summary

CXCR5 is a receptor that enables cells of the immune system to interact and subsequently release antibodies. Variants of CXCR5 may play a role in allergies by increasing the amount of CXCR5 found on the surfaces of white blood cells. Diet and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by decreasing production of CXCR5.

CXCR5 and Allergies

A chemokine is a protein that can attract cells of the immune system to certain areas of the body.

CXCR5 is a receptor that binds chemokine CXCL13. CXCR5 can be found on the surfaces of two types of white blood cells: TFH cells and B cells [R].

Through its actions on CXCR5, CXCL13 can attract TFH cells and B cells to the same sites within lymph nodes. Interactions between TFH cells and B cells at these sites can stimulate B cells to release a class of antibody called IgE [R].

The release of IgE antibodies from B cells is an early step in the initiation of allergic reactions [R].

Not surprisingly, variants of CXCR5 have been linked to allergic diseases, such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema [R].

These variants may increase the amount of CXCR5 found on the surfaces of TFH and B cells. This would result in a greater amount of TFH and B cell interactions within lymph nodes, ultimately leading to excess release of IgE antibodies.

Your CXCR5 Results for Allergies

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs12365699
rs11217036

Primary SNP:

CXCR5 rs12365699

‘G’ = Increased risk of allergies, relative to ‘A’ allele
‘A’ = Decreased risk of allergies, relative to ‘G’ allele

Other Important SNPs:

CXCR5 rs11217036

‘C’ = Increased risk of allergies, relative to ‘T’ allele
‘T’ = Decreased risk of allergies, relative to ‘C’ allele

Recommendations

Diet

Apple

Polyphenols are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that naturally occur in vegetables and fruits, such as apples. While apple polyphenols can be found in apple flesh, the greatest amount is found in the peel [R].

In 2 small clinical trials focused on people with hay fever, apple polyphenol consumption reduced sneezing attacks, nose discharge, and nasal swelling. The effects were more prominent in those consuming higher doses of apple polyphenols [R, R].

It’s important to note that people who are allergic to birch pollen may also react to apples, because these fruits contain proteins similar to those found in birch pollen (this is called cross-reactivity). In a small clinical trial, gradually increasing apple consumption induced birch pollen tolerance. However, the effect disappeared when the participants stopped eating apples [R, R].

Apples also contain a compound called butyraldehyde. Butyraldehyde was found to decrease the production of CXCR5 in human cells [R].

Consumption of apples may improve allergies by decreasing production of CXCR5.

Supplements

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in high amounts in grapes and wine. It is also available in supplement form.

In 2 preliminary trials focused on adults and children with hay fever, resveratrol nose sprays improved associated symptoms, such as runny and stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing. Resveratrol also reduced the amount of antibodies in the blood, immune system cell counts, and levels of inflammatory markers [R, R].

Treatment with resveratrol significantly reduced the production of CXCR5 in mice [R].

Resveratrol may improve allergies by decreasing production of CXCR5.

Shany Lahan

MS (Neuroscience)

Shany received her MSc in Neuroscience from Western University.

Prior to joining SelfDecode, Shany conducted research related to Alzheimer’s disease, and taught science to undergraduate students. She believes that research should be accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background. Shany joined SelfDecode with a mission to help others optimize their health and wellbeing – as well as help them understand the science behind it all.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More inflammation & autoimmunity blogs

How to Combat Histamine Intolerance Through Genetics (DAO) Are You Genetically Vulnerable to High Brain Histamine, Migraines, or ADHD? (HNMT) How to Tell if You’re Lectin Sensitive Using Your Genetic Data (CNR1) Are You Sensitive to Lectins? (MTHFR) Fight Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Brain Fog (PARP1) Is This Gene Causing Your Autoimmune Problems? (PTPN22) Are You Genetically Susceptible to Post-Treatment Lyme? (ABCB1) A Key Genetic Player in Autoimmunity (HLA-B) Is This Inflammation Gene Reducing Your Intelligence? (TNFSF9) Can You Manage Allergies and Asthma by Balancing Methylation? (MTHFR)

More allergies blogs

Can You Manage Allergies and Asthma by Balancing Methylation? (MTHFR)

Content

Summary CXCR5 and Allergies Your CXCR5 Results for Allergies

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