EV71 is the main causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which induces a wide range of clinical manifestations leading to severe neurological complications in infants and children younger than 5 years old.1 EV71-infected patients carry high level of cytokines and chemokines,2, 3 whereas exhibit impaired production of type I interferon (IFN).4, 5 In the absence of type I IFNs, the other cytokines and chemokines are irreplaceable to defense against EV71 invasion, however, the disordered production of inflammation mediators may lead to cell or tissue injury. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is hand, foot and mouth disease.