One possible explanation for the results of increased frequencies of CD5+CD1dhiCD19+ B cells in the context of the pristane lupus model has to do with the low proportion and numbers of peritoneal pDCs, and the decreased levels of IFN-α in Cd38−/− mice 2 weeks after pristane treatment (Figure 4). This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.