The role of TGF-β1 as a key mediator of kidney fibrosis is well established81,82, but it is noteworthy that TGF-β1 also plays an important role in immune regulation and can suppress B-cell auto-reactivity during the early phase of disease but can exert pro-fibrotic actions when LN is established81,83. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is lobular neoplasia.