Although this study neither addressed whether circulating IC containing DNA-LL37/HNPs are indeed generated from NETs (but not other mode of neutrophil death), whether human anti-LL37 and anti-HNP antibodies can trigger NET formation, nor confirmed that the DNA released spontaneously by SLE neutrophils was from NETs, the data suggests a model in which NET production in SLE results from a vicious cycle whereby autoantibodies target NET components and induce further NET formation by IFN-α activated neutrophils. This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.