The IFN-α production was reduced after a combined inhibition of TLR7 and 9 in purified pDC indicating that continuous triggering of TLR7 and 9 in these cells by immune complexes containing nucleic acid in SLE patients counteracts the activity of glucocorticoids on the IFN pathway. The gene discussed is TLR7; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.