Thirteen genes were common to both core-region genes and interactive pathway genes, including IL2RB, STAT4, TYK2, BLK, TNFAIP3, EOMES, IL6R, IRAK1, TRAF6, CD28, TRAF1, PTPRC, and IL2RA. These genes are important in the pathogenesis of RA and may be considered as potential targets for drug development. The gene discussed is CD28; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.