CD40 and systemic lupus erythematosus: DCs from SLE patients showed an altered expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 as compared with healthy controls.43, 44 Moreover, IL-12 produced by DCs induces the differentiation of Th1 cells, which are expanded in autoimmune diseases,45 and targeting IL-12 modulates autoimmune diseases in animal models.46, 47 Using the B6.TC lupus-prone mouse model, we investigated the effect of hAAT treatment on BM-derived cDCs and pDCs in vitro.