The CD44 (rs2732547) region of the androgen receptorNR3C4 is significantly associated with SLE and reduces the binding activityof the androgen receptor, constituting a potential pathogenetic mechanismfor sexual dimorphism in SLE.17 Moreover, the discovery of the SLE risk gene UBE2L3, an E2ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme with a role in immune system function as wellas in sex hormone signalling, highlights the complexity of the involvedmechanisms.18,19. This evidence concerns the gene CD44 and systemic lupus erythematosus.