Some of these genes appear to be involved in immune function because mouse knockouts show immune defects, including Ifnar1, Ifnar2, Il10rb, Ifngr2, Kcne1, Rcan1 and Runx1, and these may underlie abnormal (overactive) immune responses to environmental triggers and hence susceptibility to otitis media when overexpressed instead. This evidence concerns the gene RUNX1 and otitis media.