Polymorphisms in four genes encoding proteins that control the MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK1 pathway (Fig 9) have been reported to predispose to SLE and other autoimmune diseases in many human populations, namely, TLR7 (Shen et al, 2010; Tian et al, 2012; Lee et al, 2016), IRAK1 (Jacob et al, 2007, 2009; Kaufman et al, 2013), TNIP1 (Gateva et al, 2009; Han et al, 2009; Nair et al, 2009; Adrianto et al, 2012; Gregersen et al, 2012; Shi et al, 2014), and TNFAIP3 (Musone et al, 2008; Bates et al, 2009; Adrianto et al, 2011). This evidence concerns the gene IRAK4 and systemic lupus erythematosus.