During acute malaria, there is immediate secretion of pro‐inflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines such as interleukin (IL)−1β, IL‐6, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐ɣ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), which retard parasite replication, enhance monocyte phagocytosis and promote elimination of infected red blood cells (RBCs).6 The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is malaria.