In a recent study, our group has identified a critical mutation in TRAF1 (V203A in humans; V196A in mice) that disrupts its interaction with cIAP2, resulting in a substantial reduction in inflammation, notable protection from LPS-induced septic shock, and a significant decrease in joint inflammation and disease severity in a model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).22 Here, TRAF1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.