Although no correlations were observed among serum IFN-α levels, CpG-induced IFN-α production in vitro, and the type and dosage of medicines taken by SLE patients (data not shown), the immuno-suppressors, such as cyclosporine and hydroxychloroquine, can affect the function of pDCs. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.