The findings in the present study bear therapeutic relevance based on: (1) accumulating data pointing to the essential role of immunity in the initiation and development of cardiovascular disease through vascular remodeling40; (2) the reported function of NLRC5 in the immune response16; and (3) our previous report of NLRC5 in facilitating DN, a disease where vascular remodeling is highly involved22. The gene discussed is NLRC5; the disease is cardiovascular disorder.