The type I interferon (IFN) system has been postulated to play a key role in autoimmune diseases.16 Increased expression of IFN induced genes has been detected in autoimmune diseases like SLE,17 RA,18 Sjögren’s syndrome,19 and in a subgroup of MS patients.20 The interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are major regulators of genes activated by the type I IFNs,21 and a role in the regulation of the immune system is well established for the majority of the members of the IRF family of nine genes. Here, IFNA1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.