In CD patients, mutations in IL-10 protein reduce its release from cells25, and a mutation (3020insC) in the intracellular sensor molecule nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2), previously associated with CD, inhibits the ribonucleoprotein hnRNP-A1, and thereby actively blocks transcription of IL-1019,26. Here, HNRNPA1 is linked to Cowden disease.