IL6 and lupus nephritis: Aside from autoantibody production (Figure 2A), autoreactive B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis via two supportive mechanisms: B cells can activate autoreactive T cells through antigen presentation and costimulation (Figure 2B) and they can produce cytokines including IL-6, a proinflammatory cytokine able to drive inflammation and inhibit the generation of autoimmune suppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) (Figure 2C) (22, 29).