For example, genetic association findings – specifically, the observation that rs2228145:C is associated with both higher risk of allergic diseases (asthma, hay fever and eczema) and higher sIL‐6R levels – might be explained by a major role of IL‐6 trans‐signalling during the development of atopy (i.e. allergic sensitisation) and not during allergen‐induced exacerbations in atopic individuals. This evidence concerns the gene IL6R and asthma.