Th1‐mediated inflammation is also implicated for many types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), corneal transplant rejection, and type I diabetes.10, 11, 12, 13 Current treatments for these types of diseases include the use of Th1 pre‐inflammatory cytokine antagonists, such as antibodies to TNF‐α or IFN‐γ.14 However, these treatments, even when used in combination, appear to have limited effects on the more chronic and severe forms of disease and there is a pressing need for the development of new treatment strategies. This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and rheumatoid arthritis.