We could demonstrate that SFs obtained from RA or OA patients responded to HMGB1 in complex with IL-1α, IL-1β or LPS, respectively, with enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-3 and that the enhancement was mediated by interaction with IL-1RI or with TLR4, respectively. This evidence concerns the gene IL1A and rheumatoid arthritis.