TLR9 expression in B cells was shown important for autoantibody production and activation of autoreactive B cells in the periphery and treatment by using TLR9 inhibitors was demonstrated to improve the clinical outcome of some autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) [48]. The gene discussed is TLR9; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.