MRL/lpr mice showed increased renal expression of P2X7R, NLRP3, ASC and caspase 1, resulting in increased production of IL-1β and IL-18 and treatment with the P2X7R antagonist Brilliant Blue G reduced proteinuria, serum anti-DNA antibodies and, at renal histology, glomerular cellularity, signs of vasculitis and IgG and C3 deposition (Zhao et al., 2013). This evidence concerns the gene C3 and vasculitis.