TLR9-deficieny in MRL.Fas(lpr) mice caused exacerbated renal disease which was abrogated in the absence of IFNAR-signaling through specific reduction of anti-RNA specific antibodies (205), suggesting a crucial role of TLR7-IFNα signaling axis in SLE pathogenesis. This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.