Previous genetic studies reported associations of genetic variants encoding higher plasma levels of IL-5 with higher risk of CHD,7 but these associations have not been confirmed in subsequent large-scale genome-wide association studies of CHD8–10 or carotid atherosclerosis.11 Moreover, the advent of anti-IL-5 therapy (IL-5 antibodies and anti-IL-5 receptor antibodies) has also prompted interest in the study of IL-5 and risk of CHD.12 13. The gene discussed is IL5; the disease is carotid atherosclerosis.