Given that type I IFNs has been used for the treatment of viral hepatitis and multiple sclerosis, and some patients suffer from ulcerative colitis (UC) and celiac disease during type I IFN treatment33,34 the chronic IFN treatment may induce weakening of the IECs themselves by reducing stemness in addition to excessive activation of the immune system, leading to the development of these diseases. This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and viral hepatitis.