TLR7 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Persistent IC-mediated stimulation of TLR7 and TLR9 in pDCs is suspected to be one of the primary mechanisms whereby pDCs release IFN-I and contribute to SLE disease progression (Ronnblom & Alm, 2001; Swiecki & Colonna, 2010; Ganguly et al, 2013).