We have previously demonstrated a limited or defective T-cell response against EBV antigens in SLE patients, showing a reduced number of T-cells becoming activated and producing IFNγ upon EBV stimulation (both the latent antigen EBNA1 and the lytic cycle antigen EBV early antigen diffuse (EBV-EA/D)) [25]. Here, IFNG is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.