NOD2 and inflammatory bowel disease: The current understanding of IBD etiology involves interweaving host genetics, host immunity, the gut microbiome, and environmental exposures.36 Although over 200 loci, including NOD2 and PTPN22, have been identified as IBD risk variants, they account for only 8%–13% of disease susceptibility.36,37 Consequently, it is crucial to explore potential novel candidate risk genes for IBD and unravel the complex interactions driving the disease.