Individuals with a Fli1 GAn microsatellite at or above the threshold may have lower levels of Fli1 expression in their lymphocytes, which would be protective against developing lupus nephritis while individuals with a Fli1 GAn microsatellite at or above the threshold may have lower expression levels of Fli1 in their endothelial cells, which may contribute to serositis. This evidence concerns the gene FLI1 and lupus nephritis.