SelfDecode uses the only scientifically validated genetic prediction technology for consumers. Read more

inflammation & autoimmunity

allergies

ICE2

A Mysterious Gene That May Be Connected to Asthma (ICE2)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on October 30th, 2020

ICE2 encodes a regulatory protein with a very poorly-studied mechanism. How might it be connected to allergic asthma? Read on to learn more.

Summary

ICE2 encodes interactor of little elongation complex ELL subunit 2. Variants of ICE2 may play a role in asthma by affecting the transformation of blood cells. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by preventing the overproduction of Th2 cells and cytokines.

ICE2 and Asthma

The ICE2 gene encodes a protein called interactor of little elongation complex ELL subunit 2, which regulates how messages are sent within the nucleus of the cell [R, R].

Genome-wide association studies have found two variants in the ICE2 gene that were associated with asthma. However, research into the mechanism of this connection is very scarce [R, R, R].

ICE2 helps move proteins and messenger molecules into a part of the cell where they can combine into larger complexes and thereafter perform whatever function they perform. This gene and protein are present in animals, plants, yeasts, and other organisms, suggesting an essential role and ancient origin [R, R].

In yeast, ICE2 stabilizes CYP enzymes, which break down drugs and other active compounds, but it is unclear whether this function is conserved in animals. In mammals such as dogs, the ICE2 gene has been studied in the context of blood cell plasticity; that is, the ability of blood cells to change their structure and function depending on what kind of immune response is needed [R, R].

This possible connection to the immune system via blood cells may be the most promising lead for explaining ICE2’s association with asthma. However, more details are currently lacking [R].

The ICE2 gene encodes a protein that may affect how white blood cells transform according to what kind of immune response is needed, but its mechanism is poorly studied.

Your ICE2 Results for Asthma

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs11071559
rs10519067

ICE2 rs11071559

‘C’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of allergic asthma
‘T’ = Possibly protective against allergic asthma
The ‘T’ allele may affect the transformation of white blood cells and influence the immune response [R].

ICE2 rs10519067

‘G’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of allergic asthma
‘A’ = Possibly protective against allergic asthma
The ‘A’ allele may affect the transformation of white blood cells and influence the immune response [R].

Recommendations

Light Therapies

In animals with allergic asthma, low-level laser therapy (LLLT, a type of specialized light therapy) reduced Th2 inflammation in the airway [R].

A meta-analysis of 13 studies concluded that light therapy (with UV, blue, red, and infrared radiation) applied through the nose can relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms and improve quality of life. However, the authors warned about the heterogeneity and low quality of the studies [R].

Some wavelengths of light may reduce airway inflammation by reducing Th2 inflammation.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is believed to play a central role in regulating the balance between Th1 and Th2 cell formation. If ICE2 is important for white blood cell transformation as some researchers suggest, then vitamin E could be part of the same regulatory systems [R, R].

Several studies have associated high intake of vitamin E with a reduced incidence of asthma, while a diet poor in this vitamin increases the risk. Similarly, some people with asthma have lower levels of this vitamin in the blood and lungs [R, R, R, R, R].

Food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds, and their respective plant oils [R].

Vitamin E may be a part of the same regulatory mechanisms that determine how white blood cells develop into Th1 or Th2 cells. High vitamin E intake is also associated with low incidence of asthma.

Quercetin

Quercetin, a common polyphenol found in many fruits and vegetables, reduced the number of Th2 cells and the production of Th2 inflammatory signals in a cell study [R].

Quercetin is recognized as one of the best natural antihistamines. In one human trial, quercetin even outperformed Cromolyn, a mast cell-stabilizing drug; quercetin was more effective for prevention, while Cromolyn worked more quickly once the histamine reaction had already started [R, R].

Preliminary clinical research shows that a formulation with quercetin added to conventional therapy reduced the symptoms of asthma and rhinitis, and the need for medication [R].

Food sources of this flavonoid include vegetables such as capers, onions, eggplant, celery, and asparagus, fruits such as berries, apples, and oranges, nuts, and tea (both green and black) [R].

Quercetin is a common dietary polyphenol that may reduce Th2 cell count and prevent allergic inflammation.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

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 ICE2 and Asthma Your ICE2 Results for Asthma

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Shipping Worldwide

30-Days Money-Back Guarantee*

US & EU Based Labs & Shipping

Essential Bundle

SelfDecode DNA Kit Included

24/7 AI Health Coach
1500+ Comprehensive DNA Health Reports
Personalized Diet, Supplement, & Lifestyle Recommendations
Lifestyle Risk Assessments
Unlimited access to Labs Analyzer

HSA & FSA Eligible

$418

⚡Get 3 for $752 (40% Off!)

HSA & FSA Eligible

Essential

Bundle

SelfDecode DNA Kit Included

Everything in essential
Detox Pathways
Methylation Pathway
Histamine Pathway
Dopamine Pathway
+130 Medical Reports
25+ Longevity Screener Risk Assessments

$690

⚡Get 3 for $1139 (45% Off!)

HSA & FSA Eligible

Ultimate Bundle

SelfDecode DNA Kit Included

Everything in essential+
Medication Check (PGx testing) for 50+ medications
DNAmind PGx Report
40+ Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports
Ancestry Composition
Deep Ancestry (Mitochondrial)

⚡ last call for 25% Off

$927

$695

⚡ Get 3 for $1249 (55% Off!)

Already Have Your DNA Results? Upload Your DNA File

* SelfDecode DNA kits are non-refundable. If you choose to cancel your plan within 30 days you will not be refunded the cost of the kit.

We will never share your data

We follow HIPAA and GDPR policies

We have World-Class Encryption & Security

People Love Us

Rated 4.7/5 from 750+ reviews

People Trust Us

200,000+ users, 2,000+ doctors & 100+ businesses

SelfDecode is a personalized health report service, which enables users to obtain detailed information and reports based on their genome. SelfDecode strongly encourages those who use our service to consult and work with an experienced healthcare provider as our services are not to replace the relationship with a licensed doctor or regular medical screenings.

Policies

About

Support
Our Team
Affiliate Program
Privacy
Media

Navigation

Family Plan 👪
Gift SelfDecode 🎁
Analyze Bloodwork 🧪
Report Shop 🛒
Register My Kit
Careers
About
Login

A Mysterious Gene That May Be Connected to Asthma (ICE2)

Summary

ICE2 and Asthma

Your ICE2 Results for Asthma

SNP Table

Recommendations

Light Therapies

Vitamin E

Quercetin

Disclaimer

More inflammation & autoimmunity blogs

More allergies blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

⚡ last call for 25% Off

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports