Thus, it appears that the function of IL-38 is analogous to that of other natural IL-1 family antagonists and similar to these molecules, it has been reported that IL-38 concentrations are elevated in patients afflicted by certain inflammatory conditions including RA, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and IBD. This evidence concerns the gene IL1A and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.