We confirmed that Erdr1 not only alleviated characteristic features of RA, but attenuated pathogenesis of RA by reducing serum levels of anti-collagen- immunoglobulins, downregulating IL-18 expression in synovial tissue, and the functions of synovial fibroblasts, whereby Erdr1 might have a potential therapeutic effect on RA. This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and rheumatoid arthritis.