In addition, in the present study, we found that NKG2D+CD4+ T cells from SLE patients could kill monocytes that express MICA/B and ULBP1-3, further indicating the cytolytic capacity of NKG2D+CD4+ T cells towards NKG2DLs-expressing target cells in SLE patients. The gene discussed is KLRK1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.