While type I IFNs (IFN-α/β) are better known in response to viral infection,41 and type II IFN (IFN-γ) being more well known to be proatherogenic,42 a recent study has shown that IFN-α priming of THP1 cells induced increased oxLDL uptake and promoted macrophage foam cell formation.43 A growing body of evidence supports a role for the type I IFN (IFN-α/β) in promoting foam cell formation and atherogenesis,44 and novel biologic therapy is currently in development targeting IFN-α/β receptor.45 This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and viral infectious disease.