Additionally, a coding IL-6R variant, rs2228145, confers protection against the development of T1D in humans by promoting membrane shedding of IL-6R by the protease ADAM17 (adisintegrin and ametalloproteinase domain 17), suggesting that reduced IL-6R signaling may be protective (17, 27). This evidence concerns the gene ADAM17 and type 1 diabetes mellitus.