TLR7 has been shown to activate B‐lymphocytes and contribute to glomerulonephritis in response to viral agonists (Pawar et al. 2007). Although not verified to be mediated completely by TLR7, AKI often develops in patients with severe influenza infection and this is associated with increased risk of dying (Pettila et al. 2011). Here, TLR7 is linked to acute kidney injury.