inflammation & autoimmunity

skin & beauty

IL4R

A Gene Linking Bacteria, Inflammation, and Acne (IL4R)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on October 6th, 2020

The IL4R gene codes for part of a receptor that may be involved in the excess production of sebum, an oily substance linked to the growth of bacteria and heightened inflammation. A variant of IL4R has been associated with the development of acne. Read more to learn about this association, and about recommendations you may follow to mitigate the negative effects of this variant.

Summary

IL4R codes for a receptor that binds the immune system messenger IL4. Variants of IL4R may play a role in acne by promoting inflammation within skin pores. Diet and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by reducing inflammation.

IL4R and Acne

The IL4R gene codes for part of a receptor that can bind either IL4 or IL13, two types of immune system messengers (cytokines) [R].

IL4R can be found on the surface of immune system cells, where binding by IL4 or IL13 can regulate inflammatory responses via the release of certain proteins. For example, IL4R can stimulate T helper cells to release cytokines that can alter the activity and targets of other immune system cells [R].

IL4R may also play a role in the development of acne. Specifically, IL4 (via IL4R) has been suggested to be involved in the excess production of sebum, an oily substance that can be found in skin pores. Sebum provides an ideal living and growth environment for the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which can elicit inflammation and is often linked to acne development [R, R].

Not surprisingly, variants of IL4R have been associated with acne. While the mechanism is currently unknown, it’s possible that these variants may increase activity of IL4R, leading to an increase in sebum production, excessive growth of Cutibacterium acnes, heightened inflammatory responses, and acne formation [R].

Your IL4R Results for Acne

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs1801275

Primary SNP: IL4R rs1801275

‘G’ = Increased risk of acne
‘A’ = Decreased risk of acne

Recommendations

Diet

Green Tea (EGCG)

In 2 clinical trials, drinking decaffeinated green tea daily for 4 weeks reduced acne on the nose, chin, and around the mouth [R, R].

Green tea contains the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Researchers experimenting on cells found that EGCG can inhibit the production of sebum, suppress the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, and reduce inflammation. In the same study, EGCG was found to significantly reduce acne in humans [R].

Ingesting green tea (EGCG) may improve acne by inhibiting the production of sebum, suppressing the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, and reducing inflammation.

Supplements

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil may be able to reduce inflammation by killing a variety of acne-causing microscopic organisms, including Cutibacterium acnes. Moreover, it was observed to kill a number of bacterial strains that may cause antibiotic-resistant acne [R, R, R, R].

Diluted tea tree oil applied to the skin (topical) reduced the severity of mild-to-moderate acne in 3 clinical trials. One of the formulations was as effective as a conventional medication for acne, although it appeared to work at a slower rate [R, R, R].

Similarly, herbal formulas containing tea tree oil were found to be as effective as conventional treatments in 2 studies [R, R].

Tea tree oil is very potent and can cause redness and irritation when applied undiluted to the skin, but is safe when diluted with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil. Note that tea tree oil is unsafe when ingested [R].

Diluted tea tree oil applied to the skin may improve acne by killing Cutibacterium acnes and reducing inflammation.

Hemp Seed Oil

A cream containing 3% hemp seed oil lowered the production of sebum and skin redness, suggesting that it may help treat acne [R].

In test tubes, hemp seed extract was observed to kill Cutibacterium acnes and reduce inflammation [R].

Hemp seed oil applied to the skin may improve acne by lowering the production of sebum, killing Cutibacterium acnes, and reducing inflammation.

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)

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