IL6 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Tir8-deficient lpr/lpr mice showed enhanced activation of DCs to complexed lupus autoantigens, increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., CCL2, IL-6, and IL-12p40) and B-cell survival factors (e.g., Baff/BlyS and Bcl-2), increased B cell proliferation upon exposure to RNA and DNA immune complexes and other TLRs agonists, and production of lupus autoantibodies.