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NOD2

A Genetic Link Between an Immune System Receptor & Asthma (NOD2)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on October 27th, 2020

NOD2 is a receptor that can mediate a type of immune response called Th2. How might one variant of NOD2 increase the risk of asthma? Read more to find out.

Summary

NOD2 is a receptor that can mediate a type of immune response called Th2. A variant of NOD2 may play a role in allergies by increasing production or activity of NOD2. Supplement modifications may counteract the effects of this variant by decreasing NOD2 production or activity, while simultaneously balancing the immune response.

NOD2 and Allergies

The NOD2 gene helps make a receptor that detects bacteria and promotes inflammation via NF-κB activation. More recently, NOD2 has been linked to type 2 immune responses (Th2) [R].

Many scientists consider elevated Th2 activity to underlie a number of allergic diseases, including asthma. Specifically, Th2 cells can release IL-4 and IL-13, immune system proteins (cytokines) that have been shown to enhance the responsiveness of the airway to allergens (allergy-causing substances) [R, R, R].

These cytokines have also been linked to elevated release of a type of antibody called IgE. The release of IgE antibodies from immune system cells is an early step in allergic reaction progression [R].

Interestingly, exposure to bacteria has been suggested to increase NOD2 activity and subsequently sensitize the airway to environmental allergens and pollutants, thus predisposing individuals to asthma [R, R].

A variant of NOD2 has been associated with asthma and other allergic diseases. Similar to the effects following bacterial exposure, this variant may increase production or activity of NOD2, which can lead to inflammation, increased airway responsiveness to allergens, and excess IgE antibody release [R].

Your NOD2 Results for Allergies

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs2066844

Primary SNP:

NOD2 rs2066844

‘T’ = Increased risk of asthma
‘C’ = Not associated with asthma

Recommendations

Supplements

Probiotics

Probiotics are live strains of beneficial bacteria.

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus (L.) paracasei, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. gasseri, Bifidobacterium (B.) longum, and B. animalis improved hay fever in multiple trials. Moreover, L. rhamnosus, L. johnsonii, and Clostridium (C.) butyricum enhanced the effectiveness of immune system therapy (immunotherapy) for pollen and dust mite allergies [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

In people with asthma, L. salivarius and B. breve reduced the production of inflammatory proteins, while C. butyricum combined with immunotherapy helped improve asthma symptoms [R, R].

Preliminary research in adults and children with an allergy to cow milk suggests that the potential for L. rhamnosus to modulate immune system activity may help prevent allergic reactions. This probiotic also enhanced the effectiveness of immunotherapy for peanut allergy [R, R, R].

Other probiotics may help by fermenting the food proteins that cause allergies. For instance, L. helveticus, L. delbrueckii, and L. fermentum successfully reduced the allergenic potential of cow milk and propolis in several studies [R, R, R, R].

Most bacteria, including probiotics, have a protein called peptidoglycan on their surfaces. One study found that NOD2 is able to detect peptidoglycan and (rather than promote inflammation) stimulate the release of an anti-inflammatory cytokine in response. However, this effect might be limited to peptidoglycan of Lactobacillus strains [R, R].

Another study suggested that L. gasseri OLL2809 in particular might be a good probiotic option for allergic diseases, as this strain was more effective at balancing the immune response when compared to other Lactobacillus strains. Specifically, L. gasseri OLL2809 was observed to significantly reduce Th2 activity and decrease IgE antibody release [R].

Lactobacillus probiotic strains may improve asthma and other allergic diseases by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory proteins via NOD2. Lactobacillus strains may also improve allergic diseases by reducing Th2 activity and decreasing IgE antibody release.

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin is the main active compound of turmeric.

A clinical trial reported that taking curcumin supplements for two months reduced symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion, in their participants [R].

The authors of this study suggested that this effect may have been due to curcumin helping to balance the immune response. This was evidenced by a decrease in the release of allergy-associated cytokines (such as IL-4) and an increase in the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines [R].

Curcumin is generally safe when taken by mouth, but can cause allergic contact dermatitis (redness and itchiness) if applied to the skin [R, R].

In human cells, curcumin was found to inhibit the excess production of NF-κB by suppressing NOD2 activity [R].

Curcumin (turmeric) may improve asthma and other allergic diseases by decreasing the release of allergy-associated proteins, increasing the release of anti-inflammatory proteins, and inhibiting excess NF-κB production via NOD2 suppression.

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.

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Summary NOD2 and Allergies Your NOD2 Results for Allergies

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A Genetic Link Between an Immune System Receptor & Asthma (NOD2)

Summary

NOD2 and Allergies

Your NOD2 Results for Allergies

SNP Table

Recommendations

Supplements

Probiotics

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Disclaimer

More inflammation & autoimmunity blogs

More allergies blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Individual DNA Reports

Methylation Pathway - MTHFR Test

Histamine Intolerance DNA Pathway Report

Gut Health, Digestion & IBS DNA Report

Autoimmune Disease Risk & Prevention DNA Report

See all reports

Policies

About

Navigation

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