In addition, decreased miR-146a may result in upregulation of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) and then enhanced production of IFN-α, STAT-1, IL-1 receptor associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), and TRAF6, which then increase innate immune responses, lupus disease activity, and lupus nephritis [23]. Here, IRF5 is linked to lupus nephritis.