MiR-146a-5p has the ability to negatively regulate several pro-inflammatory factors that promote progression of diseases such as COPD and atherosclerosis, including toll-like receptor (TLR4), IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF-receptor associated protein factor 6 (TRAF6)39. This evidence concerns the gene IRAK1 and atherosclerosis.