The observation that SLE patients, particular those with increased disease activity, showed enhanced activation of Elk-1 in nuclei and elevated co-expression of IL-10 and phospho-Elk-1 in peripheral lymphocytes highlights the involvement of aberrant Elk-1 signaling in development of SLE and suggests potential targeting therapy for disease amelioration. Here, ELK1 is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.