We further showed the significance of dysregulated IFN-γ in human disease by demonstrating that reduced MMP12 mRNA levels were correlated with systemic lupus erythematosus clinical deterioration over time, and also demonstrated increased active IFN-γ in glomeruli of patients suffering from lupus nephritis when compared to healthy individuals, highlighting a potential diagnostic and therapeutic path. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is lupus nephritis.