GNAQ and systemic lupus erythematosus: As significantly lower Gαq levels were measured in LSE patients with lupus nephritis, compared with those without renal damage, and low Gαq expression correlated with higher IL-17 levels in SLE T cells, our data may underscore a link between reduced Gαq expression in T cells leading to overproduction of Th17 cells, enhanced IL-17 production, and subsequent kidney damage.